So many picture books, so little time! Check out these AMAZING stories!
Mr Norton’s New Hat by Huw Lewis Jones and Corey Egbert, Published by Little Tiger
I love stories that build up over the course of a few days, with sillier and sillier events taking Mr Norton by surprise. What begins on Monday with a mouse in his hat quickly escalates into bears in the bath by the end of the week. Mild mannered Mr Norton is getting more irritated as more animals make themselves at home in his home but what will happen on the weekend? It may keep readers laughing and guessing through to the end- just who will appear each day! Charming illustrations and a truly special story.
Felix Found an Egg by Charlie Miller, Published by Flying Eye Books
Felix and his Grumpy Cat, Gary, love playing in the garden but not near the stinky compost heap. Felix is convinced there is a mulchy monster living there and one day, Felix works up the courage to tell it to go away! What he discovers instead is a fancy egg and Felix’s imagination takes off. Could it be a dragon, a snake or something else? His sensible side grounds him and he puts the egg back on the heap so it can hatch in peace. The reader is the only one who knows that truly hatches and it may surprise you! Delightful story and even more so due to the gorgeous illustrations.
Do Not Say these Words by Frances Tosdevin and Rhian Wright, Published by UCLan Publishing
What more can you want from a giggle-inducing picture book? When the world is in danger from too many giggles, the scientist is keen to help. She has invented a machine to change giggle words into boring ones that won’t cause laughter. Some of the key words are fart, bottom, snot, and you can guess the others….but the boring words the machine churns out are equally, if not more funny! This would be a perfect read aloud for a class of children (of any age)! Hilarious details are found throughout making it a delight for belly laughs and keen eyes.
How Long is that Dog? By John Bond, Published by HarperCollins
Evie has found the perfect dog but can she guess how long it is? Her parents have issued her a challenge to guess its length. She thinks really hard about this- as long as a school bus, a scarf or a day? She thinks so hard that by the time she goes back to get the dog, it is gone. The next day is Evie’s birthday and she has the perfect surprise waiting for her. Her perfectly sized dog- but can you guess how long it is? An absolutely adorable story and the bright, bold illustrations will soon make this a favourite story,
I Hate Everything by Sophy Henn, Published by Simon & Schuster
I think all readers will relate to this brilliant book from the wonderful Sophy Henn! Those moments when it feels like we hate everything are brought to life in this book. When challenged about what they hate, the older ghost finds it hard to put it into words. Luckily the younger ghost has plenty of suggestions to challenge them and make them think hard about their hate! I found this funny and think it would be perfect to read during those grumpy moments when life feels tough. Sophy Henn’s humour shines through her illustrations and simple text!
The Circular Square by Simon Philip and Neil Clark, Published by Templar Books
What seems at first to be a tale of a square turns into a genius story of being happy and how our experiences in life help to “shape” us into who we are and become. Square is frustrated with his hard edges and corners and wishes he were rounder so he could roll around. One day, though, he decides to embrace the good in life and over time, these hard knocks smooth the hard edges. Not noticing at first, Square finds himself happier than ever! I love the hidden depths to this story and the sublime illustrations that make it easy to share and enjoy time and time again.
The Torto-Saurus by Katie Cottle, Published by Little Tiger
A charming story about Dot, a shy young girl starting at a new school. Feeling shy, she struggles to put herself out there to make new friends. When she embellishes her pet, she becomes more famous than she would like and her pet is starting to feel the pressure as well! Both prefer to just be themselves and when they find that friend who understands them, it becomes the perfect pairing. Reading this to a class of younger readers may help those shyer children to feel a boost of confidence in trying new things or making a new friend. Beautiful and colourful illustrations throughout add plenty of detail to the story.
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 