Liliana the Strong by Quentin Blake and Emma Chichester Clark, Published by Two Hoots
A absolutely beautiful book from picture book royalty, Quentin Blake and Emma Chichester Clark. Liliana is ill in bed and feeling rather sad but her parents remind her just how strong she truly is. While we would believe this to be more symbolic of an inner strength, it turns out their trip down memory lane highlights the physical strength of Liliana. She uses her strength to help those around her and it is completely charming. Watching her help the farmer, the museum and her family members, she brings to life an amazing kindness towards those around her.
The Bear out there by Jess Hannigan, Published by Quill Tree Books
This is a brilliantly colourful and fun take on the classic story of Goldilocks. As the reader we are invited to visit a house while told there is a bear outside and we need to be careful. While we also see the bear coming through with the shopping. Once the truth is out, we can see the story from another perspective and it will make readers giggle. The illustrations are quirky and bold, ensuring the reader will be delighted with every turn of the page.
Wild by Katya Balen and Gill Smith, Published by Walker Books
A young girl loves the wilderness around her home and feels at peace within it. When she moves to the city, she can’t find the wild within any more. Struggling, she walks and shouts for it but nothing changes. One day, she follows a bird and then small pieces of wild show themselves and there is a hope within this. The illustrations take the reader on the journey with the young girl and hopefully will allow the reader to find pieces of wild within their worlds and hearts.
Badger Books by Paddy Donnelly, Published by O’Brien Press
I adore all of Paddy Donnelly’s books but especially this series featuring the animals of Ballybrush. We first met this town in Fox & Son Tailors and now we are back introduced properly to Badger’s Books. Rory, from Fox & Son Tailors is keen to buy a specific book but Badger can’t find it. When Rory continues to ask daily, Badger gets grumpier and grumpier. Until one day, Rory doesn’t come and Badget sets out to find him. It turns out the pair need to write and illustrate the book together! Another heartwarming story filled with the most divine illustrations.
I’m going to make a friend by Darren Chetty and Sandhya Prabhat, Published by Little Tiger
A charming tale of moving and having to make new friends with the doubt and uncertainty that brings. A young boy goes through a series of questions about making friends, ones we can all relate to. Should they say hello, will it take a long time…until something happens and forces a reaction between two children. It’s such a loving story with a hopeful ending, one to reassure that friendships will be built. A great book for starting school!
Our Tree by Jessica Meserve, Published by Little Tiger
Little Red has found a tree just for him and he is thrilled until the kindly and welcoming tree tells Little Red to look around. The tree is home to many critters, some tiny and others bigger, some who come for a rest, a scratch or a snooze! Red isn’t keen on sharing and so tries to run accidentally landing on leopard! Now the tree needs to help in a new way! Will Little Red discover a way to share the tree? Delightful illustrations bring the life of the tree to full imagination!
The Suitcase by Daniela Sosa, Published by Simon & Schuster
What an absolute delight of a story! Discovering a suitcase hidden away at his grandparents house, a young boy begins investigating who the people in the photos might be. He normally finds the days boring, missing out on the details that the reader sees. It adds an extra perspective for the reader, making it a wonderful search and find book as well. When the answer is revealed, it causes delight in the boy and his days with his grandparents. Charming and thoughtful, it will allow readers to think more in depth about their own family history.
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 