It’s been a couple of months since I have managed to do one of these posts! These six books are incredible and so worth checking out from your local library or bookstore!
Once Upon a Tiger by Sarah Massini, Published by Simon & Schuster
What an adorable story of finding courage and kindness in the unlikeliest of places. Tiger is widely known for being grumpy and liking to be left on his own. When a trio of children find him and refuse to leave his side (regardless of all the ways he tries), he begins to find his kindness. When they get homesick and upset, Tiger finds his courage to help them get home. While he loves the city, he finds himself missing the wild and free jungle! It’s a stunning story to share and it has the most beautiful illustrations throughout!
The Marvellous Mend-It Shop by Perry Emerson and Laura Borio, published by Little Tiger
A beautiful story with wonderfully whimsical illustrations! When a treasured bracelet is broken, Max’s mum tells him an enchanting story to make him feel better! When she broke the bracelet as a girl, she found a special place that fixed it, and this story is now passed down! It has an imaginative element that will have children wanting to return to the Mend-It shop again and again! I especially love the tiger in the waistcoat manning the lift!
Together We Grow by Helen Docherty and Brizida Magro, published by Scholastic
A wonderfully heartwarming story that will help children adapt to change in the world around them, from small changes to ones that really challenge us! Told in rhyme, we watch the weather change, pets grow and making choices! When a friend moves away, it is a harder change to navigate but good can still be found! What is truly lovely is the ending as we know parents love their children no matter what! Throughout the book, the illustrations are charming and gentle!
Little Wolf’s Big Huff by Harriet Howe and Katie Cottle, published by Templar Books
Little Wolf and Daddy Wolf have an annual night together where they sit under the big night sky! Until one year, Mummy wolf needs a break from all the additional wolves they had to bring with them. Little Wolf stomps, huffs and puffs and doesn’t have a great night- until Daddy wolf helps him to breathe deeply and clearly, seeing that good can still come from their evening together. A heartwarming story about big feelings and big families!
The Bug Hotel by Manu Montoya, published by Pushkin Children’s
A brilliant mix of fact and fiction featuring a cast of big characters that young readers will love meeting. Mr Beetle runs The Bug Hotel but he has a very strict book of rules that all guests need to obey! However, not all bugs like or need the same things to grow, eat and be healthy! When Mr Beetle needs a break, he finally understands that everyone’s differences need to be accommodated and accepted- bringing it some brilliant changes to the hotel! Wonderful illustrations and great facts will keep readers turning the pages!
Bear Heart by Louise Greig and Hoang Giang, published by Flying Eye Books
This was an emotional read and one I will have to read multiple times! At times, it’s a sad read but in truth, it is one that is so full of heart and love! Bear is full of love and his heart is full to bursting until he meets Lion- who needs love! But who will love Lion? Bear does but when Lion goes away, Bear is left bereft! The over riding message is that our hearts grow the more we add to them! This would make such a beautiful gift for a young reader (or grown-up)! Wondrous illustrations really shine in this 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
1 Comment
Hi Erin I too have read The Bug Hotel and, although at first read I was not a fan, after reading again – to review – I got so much more from it. The illustrations are amazing and the story is important for children. I am currently reading The Worst Thing That Could Possibly Happen by Guy Bass (Author) and illustrated by David Roberts (I love Guy Bass after reading SCRAP and was delighted to have won this on Toppsta) which is excellent if not a little random. A great book for Halloween and anyone interested in darker themes and the illustrations are phenomenal. Hayley Reeve *Year 4 teacher, Reading, Music and LKS2 lead *
Hi Erin I too have read The Bug Hotel and, although at first read I was not a fan, after reading again – to review – I got so much more from it. The illustrations are amazing and the story is important for children. I am currently reading The Worst Thing That Could Possibly Happen by Guy Bass (Author) and illustrated by David Roberts (I love Guy Bass after reading SCRAP and was delighted to have won this on Toppsta) which is excellent if not a little random. A great book for Halloween and anyone interested in darker themes and the illustrations are phenomenal. Hayley Reeve *Year 4 teacher, Reading, Music and LKS2 lead *
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