That‘s what dragons do
Written and illustrated by Raymond McGrath
ISBN 9781775437496
This delightful picture book is full of wonderful language with words that dance on the page and on the tongue, and quite possibly in a tongue-twistery way will trip you up too. Dragons that roar and fly and swish, diggers that dig big and deep, alien space robots that zip and zoom and plenty more. It is full of imagination and creative thinking as two sisters play together before bedtime. The girls, no doubt will grow up to be anything they want to be.
The illustrations are bright and animated. Even the stars, clouds and cupcakes have cheerful personalities. Yes! There is even a cup cake fairy in the pages of this picture book from Raymond McGrath.
It is also a lovely, happy book to share with dads for Father’s Day, which is not far away.
Starfish the star
By Elaine Bickell
Illustrated by Daron Parton
ISBN 9781775437123
Starfish is in an aquarium with lots of other fish; clownfish, seahorse, and jellyfish, to name just a few. Starfish has attitude though, and it’s not the nicest. He wants fame. He wants adoration. He wants it all and he doesn’t really think of anyone else but himself. So he sticks himself to the front of the glass and all the other fish are forced back where no one can see them.
People coming to visit the aquarium become disappointed at not seeing all the fish, but Starfish is too vain and self-centred to realise what is happening. However, there is a chance at redemption when a disaster begins to happen and Starfish is called to help.
Lots of colourful underwater scenes, gorgeously illustrated with quirky personalities shown through the eyes of the different fish. A nice wee lesson on helping others and being part of a team.
Grandpa versus swing
By Tania Sickling
Illustrated by Lael Chisholm
ISBN 9781775436751
Grandpa versus Swing written by Tania Sickling is the winner of the Storylines Joy Cowley Award.
The story involves a grandpa who rushes about with lots of energy and no fear. He tries everything. You should see where he hides when he plays hide and seek.
A rhyming picture book about a special grandfather and the grandchildren he adores. However, he soon finds himself in strife but laughter and help from someone special saves the day.
Lael Chisholms illustrations are rich and vibrant and add to the humour of this family-friendly book for young readers. This is a great choice to read with grandfathers, and grandmothers too.