I have chosen a few new favourite picture books to share this month. There is more to come as there are so many brilliant books being published!
Harmony House by Monika Singh Gangotra and Nicci Martin, Published by Owlet Press
This is a beautiful story of finding harmony and friendship in music. The residents of Harmony House tend to argue and overwhelm each other with their chosen instruments and sound, never working together until complaints force the council to take action. Forced to work together, the band of residents is harmonised by one young girl with a love of song. Melody sings and the other talented residents pull together to create something wonderful. This is a joyous celebration of how music can truly bring people together.
Matisse and the Runaway Rabbit by Georgia Larson and Iratxe López de Munáin, Published by Michael O’Mara Books
An absolute treat of a book introducing children to Matisse and the wonder of his artworks. Matisse is feeling tired after a tough day when a rabbit appears in his studio and proceeds to impact on the works of art Matisse has been working on. This little rabbit reinvigorates Matisse to see the joy and beauty in his work. Beautiful illustrations really being Matisse’s bold art to life. As an adult reader, it is such a joy to see Matisse introduced to a younger audience. The story is charming and I hope there will be more artists introduced as part of a series.
Mr Norton’s New Truck by Huw Lewis Jones and Corey Egbert, Published by Little Tiger
It’s so great to have another fun adventure with Mr Norton! This time, Bear borrows Mr Norton’s bicycle, making it rather hard to ride. Over the course of the week, Mr Norton tries to get to work in more and more inventive ways, and always with extra passengers tagging along. One night, Mr Norton tries to fix an old truck but not with much luck until Bear comes to help! This is one of my favourite series of books and Mr Norton has the most adventurous weeks!
Big Bear is Coming by Anuska Allepuz, Published by Walker Books
This is such a fun and sweet story! What happens when 4 little bears try to hide from Big Bear? Follow along with them as they explore the forest and try to hide…but what is that smell? What is that sound? A great bedtime story for little ones and with a fun twist at the end. Absolutely enchanting illustrations will make this a firm favourite with little ones. I loved the colour palette used as it is ideal for calming down for bedtime.
See you Later…by April Suddendorf, Published by Flying Eye Books
Gary, the alligator, decides to try life in this big house on the hill. He figures they have better food and a better swamp. Upon his investigation he sees that it is not entirely true. The food is too tart, the bath too hot and then the humans come home! Poor Gary needs to wait until it’s safe to leave! This is a new favourite as I love the illustrations and the quirky nature of the story, I think children will love the laugh out loud nature of Gary’s adventure.
The Ice Cream Crocodile by Mariesa Dulak and Rebecca Cobb, Published by Faber
This wonderful pairing of author and illustrator are back for another stellar picture book. Elvis works with his parents at the circus and loves the entire world of talent, crowds and excitement. He does have bigger dreams to be part of the trapeze but “no spikes or scales allowed on stage”. When Elvis is asked to run the ice cream stand, he does so with such flourish and wonderful, that it becomes really popular! Will Elvis get to realise his dreams in different ways?
Sticky Mildred by Alastair Chisholm and Rikin Parekh, Published by Walker Books
Sticky Mildred basically describes the early years of my own children. If one wasn’t sticky, the other was and it seemed every surface in my home was! As you can tell by her name, Mildred loves being sticky, if fact she actively seeks all things sticky. On one particular day, she tries to be the stickiest and succeeds but at what cost? She gathers neighbours, family and friends in her sticky mess and it is uproariously funny to be part of the stickiest adventure you can imagine. A superb story and rollicking great illustrations!
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 