In all honesty, I am still trying to catch up with my reading since Christmas. The aim is to try to celebrate a stack of picture books each month and there are so many wondrous titles to highlight.
Ten Tiny Squirrels by Kael Tudor and Marc Boutavant, Published by Scholastic
An endlessly charming book that young readers will beg to read time and time again. Bear is starting a fun rhyme when he loses not one, but all the squirrels he was counting. What follows is a fun adventure through the house and garden hunting for the lost squirrels. Perhaps some of the other animals can help! As readers turn the page, there are different animals to count, animals to spot and hilarious details to enjoy. What a brilliant, unexpected counting story. The illustrations are perfect and readers will love the characters they meet.
Don’t Do It, Doug by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie, Published by Little Tiger
Another hilarious book to entertain young readers, especially those with a taste for mischief. Doug likes to press buttons, pull cords and test out the world around him but the story aims to teach a little bit of self control! Doug tries some new, exciting things to help but sometimes you just need to poke a bear with a stick! An enormously fun story to read with children who might be just like Doug. The illustrations really highlight how much trouble Doug finds and this is sure to be a popular bedtime book.
Rock and Roll by Ruby Ann Thompson, Published by Little Tiger
Rock and Roll are really quite different- one is hard, the other soft. One made from lava, the other flour but they may have more in common than originally thought. With the characters taking centre stage, the reader focusses on them and their similarities and differences. As a debut, this is a fantastic story about finding common ground, building connections and allowing others to see the true you. The illustrations are kept simple and they allow the characters to really shine.
Tomorrow I’m in Charge by Jörg Mühle, Published by Gecko Press
This charming, and oh-so-familiar tale will have readers giggling as Bear and Weasel argue over which game to play, which team to be on and who gets to play with Badger. Poor badger is caught in the middle and when it’s time to go home, Bear and Weasel are surprised and disappointed- they were having so much fun. I think readers will really relate to the relationship and friendship between the characters and will understand how hard it can be to decide what to play. Charming illustrations make this a firm favourite.
How Many Animals Can Fit in this Book? By Natalia Yaskina, Published by Flying Eye Books
This is a beautiful counting book with a lot of personality. There is plenty of space in the book for 1 ant eating an apple but is there space for more? As you turn each page another number of animals wish to join the fun but is there space for everyone? Ant doesn’t think so! The animals are so brilliant and colourful and I have no doubt this will be a favourite counting book with young readers. Readers will love Ant’s sassy style and need for space but also for the fun that follows through the story.
Capybara Disco Dreams by Frances Stickley and Nikki Dyson, Published by Simon & Schuster
This might just take your breath away while reading as it’s boppy, fun and rhymes to a beat. Capybara has all the groovy moves and helps his friends to find their moves and grooves too. From rapping, to flossing, doing the robot and cancan, there is nothing this capybara can’t do. Readers will love this vibrant and fun book for the hilarity, the costumes and the confidence to dance like no one is watching! Such detailed illustrations throughout add to the dynamic and bold 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 