I love non-fiction books and their illustrative styles and subject matters. Today was spent in Tudor times, under the sea, discovering the rights of languages and in war time. Not to mention finding out more about a classic, The Velveteen Rabbit!
So much to offer young readers!
I think the Tudor period is such a fascinating time in history to study. While there were advancements in medicines, printing and viewpoints, there were also battles and fights for kingdoms. Amidst this was likely the most famous King of the time- Henry VIII! Famous not just for his size, wealth and tyranny but for his six wives! This book shines the spotlight on the incredible women they were before, during and sometimes after their marriage to Henry. From bold, brave leaders to calm and collected writers- each woman was amazing and this is such a brilliant book that honours them. The illustrations are brilliant- almost graphic novel like in style, and will appeal to a wide range of readers. This is a timely book for younger readers as it expresses the ideas and hopes for languages around the world. This book aims to champion the languages of the world, and to encourage children to speak their home language as an official right, regardless of where they are in the world. Having lived in other countries, I admired the myriad of languages around me and always tried to respect and learn some words, not just for practical reasons but to connect. Our language forms part of our identity and these should be celebrated. I loved the illustrations and the worldliness of them, making the reader feel they were travelling. This should be in classrooms and libraries across the world to protect and encourage all languages.This is an incredible story of the vastness and curiosity of the ocean and its many depths. Science is magic and this book is a magical story to read. The search for Carmella is a dream adventure for Dr Rose and her friend, Anne. They set off on a remarkable journey and dive to hidden, dark depths where they discover a host of fascinating creatures, but no Carmella…but they bask in the wonders they did see, though the reader can see Carmella being equally as curious about them as she watches from her hiding space. A brilliant story- one that will inspire curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. They say the oceans are widely unexplored due to the depths- I wonder what does live there! This is a stunning book about the widely loved author of The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams. Encouraged to use and develop her imagination by her father, she also developed her talent in writing stories. Grief, war and her own family kept her from writing and then she started to reminisce about her toys and their consistent presence in her life and her story, The Velveteen Rabbit was born. I find these stories fascinating as it helps young readers to envisage themselves as a writer, or illustrator and shows them how life itself can be inspiration for a future bestseller. I doubt Margery Williams would believe her story would still be read and shared around the world, one hundred years later. Any books related to the Holocaust are harrowing and hard to read, the honesty and reality of what people faced can be heart wrenching. This book, by Michael Rosen, was born from the fact that Michael’s aunt and uncle were on the same train but did not escape as the man featured in this book did. What happened was incredibly brave and took immense courage to face the enemy. I found the illustrations to be a perfect match for the seriousness of the topic and hope that readers will gain some understanding over how people faced the enemy and made bold decisions to live against the odds. The repetition of “one day” throughout the book is a stark reminder that everyone took it one day at a time in such uncertainty and fear.
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 