The Bear Who Wanted to Dance by Stephanie Stansbie and Wendy J Warren, Published by Little Tiger
An incredible and joyous story of a bear who wants to dance in the ballet. Bear practices and studies and finds comfort and strength in the movements and friendships she discovers. When auditions are announced to be the Prima Ballerina, Bear and her bestie Wanda, practice constantly. During the auditions, Bear spots her shadow and understands that is ins’t the same as the others- it is bigger and she falls. Stunning illustrations really bring this beautiful story to life. It is one to read to boost confidence!
Squirrel and Bird by Laura Baker and Stacey Thomas, Published by Little Tiger
This book is a true celebration of being proud of who you are, for all your many talents and skills. It’s wondrously illustrated in a soft pallet of colours. Readers will meet Squirrel and Bird and the narrator of the story shares some insights but are they correct? As Squirrel and Bird prepare for a concert, they each deal with nerves in a different way. Is that what defines them or is there more to their story? Such a great story to get readers thinking of everything they are- shy, loud, confident, nervous! We are all so many things.
A Totally Big Umbrella by Sarah Crossan and Rebecca Cobb, Published by Walker Books
This is such an impressive story about anxiety and worries for young readers. Tallulah has a bad day when it rains and begins to carry an umbrella with her everywhere, worrying the rain will ruin her life. Her parents and grandmother try to help but it isn’t until one day when the rain pours on her grandmother’s birthday, that Tallulah starts to let go of her worries. She sees that the rain isn’t ruining the fun of the day and peeks out from her umbrella. Beautiful illustrations really share the wonder of this story and how it will help children to deal with their worries.
Mama’s Special Wonton Soup by Wei Mei Wong and Xin Yue Zhu, Published by Lantana
This is a true story of community and sharing food together. When a young girl walks to market she meets her neighbours and friends along the way. They each offer some of their food and crops to her to take home to her Mama. Kindness abounds in this book and the illustrations are gentle and detailed, really highlighting the rural idyll of life in Southern China. The girl is so grateful for the kindness that she has a brilliant idea to share her mother’ special wonton soup with everyone.
Step into my Shoes by Alkisti Halikia and Fotini Tikkou, Published by Lantana
The expression, “step into someone else’s shoes” is one we have all heard but for Matou, she actually tries on many shoes outside her local mosque. As she steps in, she imagines who wears them and what they are like and what type of life they lead. She tries on many shoes and watches the people who wear them. When her mum has to work late, Matou is cross until her mum offers her shoes to be tried on. A wonderful story to show empathy and understanding!
Alone on my Rock by Smriti Halls and Luke Scriven, Published by HarperCollins
Goat has found the perfect spot, the perfect rock! He has all he needs until he thinks of one thing and then another, rowing his boat back and forth gathering favourite food, comforts and drinks. Will he ever settle on his rock? It’s a delightful story that rhymes and is guaranteed to make readers chuckle as goat needs more and more! The illustrations are perfectly suited to this story and will make you smile. The ending is perfect and the ideal end for goat’s really busy day.
My Best Friend Tilly by Iris Samartzi, Published by Post Wave
A uniquely illustrated story about two little girls who are best friends. One little girl builds rooms and towers and playgrounds for her and her bestie Tilly. As the rooms multiply, the builder needs to push Tilly out of the way until she is off the page entirely. Perhaps one little girl has gone too far and is missing the point of her building. Creative illustrations and a friendship full of imagination is the brilliant nature of this story. This book will likely spark imaginations in the reader to build brilliant spaces for their friends.
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 