New picture books from Donovan Bixley. Starting school, counting in te Reo Maori. Bright, bold illustrations and lots of fun for young children. @upstartpressnz

The great Kiwi School Day

ISBN 9781776940295

The great Kiwi School Day is Donovan Bixley’s latest picture book and due out early September. Starting school can be a challenge for many children. The first day can be daunting, even if a child has had earlier visits to a school. This picture book makes it look less daunting, and more like fun.

Grandpa takes our young narrator to school for their first day. We are not told the child’s name, but a young observant reader might notice the name on the hook when they hang up their school bag. See if you can find it.

This is a good introduction into schools and their structure. Our young narrator shares time learning to read and write, playtime, lunch time, making friends, listening to stories and other little everyday things that happen on any given school day.

True, to most primary schools, the teacher often uses Te Reo Maori in her greetings, and instructions and this becomes second nature to the children. The illustrations demonstrate the inclusiveness and diversity of primary schools throughout New Zealand.

A good read to share together with young children who are about to start school.

Tā te Kiwi 123 Puka Tatau

By Donovan Bixley and Darren Joseph

ISBN 9781776940332

Upstart Press

Donovan Bixley’s children’s books are instantly recognised everywhere. The bright, bold colours, and quirky animal characters, are distinctly his forte. They are always filled with so much Kiwi uniqueness that his books are ideal for sending to family and friends overseas. His books are aimed at younger children, but their appeal crosses all ages and generations.

This latest book is all about counting in Te Reo Maori. Many of the characters may seem familiar as they have appeared in a number of his picture books. There is an English version as well.

The inside cover has images of the characters from within the book. This adds to the appeal, as younger readers search for the characters inside the pages.

Number 20 is a class of 20 children from all backgrounds and personalities, including the boy with his tongue hanging out. As someone who works in schools, I can definitely say there is always at least one child making a face on school photos day. The children all have something in their hands or on their body which has something to do with their hobbies. My eyes, of course, went straight to the boy with books in his hands.

Check out the double page spread with the quirky, woolly sheep, playing rugby. It certainly is a very Kiwi book.

There is also a companion colouring-in book. An excellent idea for encouraging te reo Maori and making it accessible to all.

Tā te Kiwi 123 Puka Tatau Whakakarakara

ISBN 9781776940332

Recently published, and soon to be published, NZ picture books. A variety of subjects; goats, dolphins, kakapo, Maori gods and even a lost cloud. Lots of colourful new reads for younger children.

Ihaka and the Unexpected Visitor

By Kirsty Wadsworth

Illustrated by Zak Waipara

ISBN 9781775437543

Scholastic NZ

 Īhaka arrives home from school and almost immediately hears a booming knock at the door. It just happens to be Tāwhirimātea who is the Maori god of wind and storms. He is a most unusual visitor and he needs help because his littlest cloud has gone missing. Īhaka is excited and eager to help. The two set off in search of the little cloud. Along the way they meet a number of other Maori gods, such as Tāne god of the forest, and Tangaroa, god of the sea. Can they help? Do they know where the littlest cloud has gone or will Īhaka need to look for help closer to home?

This is a good introduction to different Maori gods for pre-school and primary school children. It’s also a good story for demonstrating teamwork and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Lots of natural colours used in the illustrations, befitting the different Maori gods and their natural world.

There is also a te reo Maori version which is perfect timing for Maori Language week 12th to 19th September this year.

Perlorus Jack the Dolphin Guide

By Susan Brocker

Illustrated by Raymond McGrath

ISBN 9781775437475

Scholastic NZ

For 24 years, from 1888 to 1912 a very special moon-white dolphin guided ships through wild seas in the Marlborough Sounds which is in the upper South Island of New Zealand. People named the dolphin Pelorus Jack and everyone loved him. People came from all over the world to see this beautiful, friendly dolphin. Even some Royalty came and they got a very special, wet welcome from the friendly dolphin.

I discovered an interesting thing from this book that I never knew before. The famous writer Rudyard Kipling actually met Pelorus Jack. Later there was an incident that could have ended disastrously, but thankfully Perlorus Jack was safe. The incident had a profound impact on the people who loved the dolphin and they gathered outside parliament, demanding laws to protect him.

I do love how picture books can be creative and factually informative at the same time. The author and illustrator have worked together on a previous book, Mrs Chippy the cat, another picture book based on fact.

There is a page of historical notes at the back for further reading.

Messy-o-saurus

By Rachel Weston

Illustrated by Scott Tulloch

ISBN 978-0-473-63513-8

Weston Books Ltd.

Someone is making messes. Lots of messes in all the different rooms. Toys all over the place, muddy footprints and just big messes everywhere. Someone, a little girl with delightful pigtails and a cheeky smile, is very good at pointing the finger and blaming a raft of different monsters for causing the mess. There is a Gogglebox monster, and a Smelly-Belly monster and even a fearsome Fangle-Fangle monster. However, one monster in particular, is guilty of creating the mess.

A fun story, with gorgeous bright and bold coloured illustrations.

Definitely a picture book to share with toddlers.

Goat on a trampoline

By Amy Harrop

Illustrated by Ross Hamilton

ISBN 9781776890231

David Bateman Books

Lily is a cheeky goat who is bored. Lily is so bored she has chewed her way through jandals, chased dogs and even disturbed a weta. Lily reckons she has done everything and is looking for something new to do to pass the time. After spying a trampoline, Lily just has to give it a go. It turns out it might not have been the best idea.

Lily becomes over confident and a bit too much showing off, lands her in trouble.

A good example of the old adage pride comes before a fall. A wee lesson shared in a fun picture book.

Dougal the dancing Kākāpō

By Kath Bee

Illustrated by Lisa Allen

ISBN 9781776890057

Bateman Books

Dougal the Kākāpō loves dancing. All sorts of dancing. He rumbas in the rain, hulas in the sand on a sunny day. He hip-hops and breakdances too. He even plays a few musical instruments. Definitely a very talented kakapo.

Best of all, Dougal loves to move and have fun and he loves it all.

A sweet, colourful picture book all about having fun and doing whatever makes you happy. Dancing with friends makes it even more fun.

New picture books I’ve been reading

Words about birds of Aotearoa New Zealand

By Geoffrey Fuller

ISBN 9781775437666

Scholastic

I’m sitting here on my bed, sun coming through the window, and I have one foot hanging over the edge, and the other up on top in a moon boot. I’m watching a sparrow as it perches on the clothesline happily outside my window. It keeps turning its head and looking at me as if trying to communicate. It’s quite fitting as I write about a book on NZ birds.

The book is a collection of poems about birds, written and illustrated by Geoffrey Fuller. It features mostly Native birds from different areas, such as forests, swamps, ocean birds.

Yellow eyed penguins, and kea are my favourites. I do think there is not enough poetry being published, so this is lovely to see. The poems are short, with just a little information but mostly fun. Each bird has its own full page illustration opposite its poem.

Good introduction on birds for primary schools and keen bird watchers.

The story of Swoop

By Matt Owens

Illustrated by Emma Gustafson

ISBN 9781775437642

Scholastic NZ

Another book about birds, as I note my wee sparrow friend has flown off in search of better conversation.

This book is based on truth. Firefighter Matt had been driving down a country road when he discovered a cold, hungry, baby magpie all on its own. He scooped it up and took it home and cared for it. He even named it Swoop. The two became friends, and even Matt’s cat, Mogli accepted the magpie. Being the caring person he is, Matt soon realised that Swoop needed to be with his own family and friends, other magpies.

Set in the natural surroundings with full colour page illustrations, this is a sweet, heart-warming story about bird and human relationships. I do really like the illustrations of the magpies with their shiny black and white feathers and cheeky personalities.

Roo and Vladimir (an unlikely friendship)

Written and illustrated by Minky Stapleton

ISBN 9781775437505

Scholastic NZ

Roo is a happy dog, a very, big happy dog who loves doing lots of things. He is clumsy and trips over his own feet, and this causes him lots of trouble and makes him sad, especially when other dogs are frightened of him.

It is the meeting of another dog, Vladimir, a much smaller one, that shows friendships can be found anywhere. A big storm happens and the friends need to work together to find a safe place. What they do together shows us that heroes and friends can be found everywhere.

The brightly coloured illustrations are delightfully comical.

Some recently published picture books I have been enjoying reading during the holidays. Love the variety.

One of the best things about holidays is the chance to slow down and catch up on some reading. As a school librarian I don’t get to read many adult books as I spend my time reading kids and young adult books so I can make honest recommendations to my students. I don’t believe in giving bad reviews as I want to focus on what I do enjoy reading. Also, these are reviews, and not critiques like what I used to have to do at university. Besides, I actually really enjoy reading children’s books. They offer so much and the stories and world-building for many of them are just wonderful. So some quick reviews of what I have been reading these holidays.

Inside the suitcase

By Clotilde Perrin

ISBN 9781776573431

Gecko Press

Clotilde Perrin is amazing with her illustrations and paper engineering.

A young boy packs his red suitcase with all manner of things and sets out into the world. We get to open his suitcase and bit by bit, flap by flap discover what is inside. Each flap has multiple layers to lift open, each revealing something different. We begin with large illustrated flaps which reveal smaller flaps to lift. Each reveal turns out to be part of an overall puzzle on how to get back home again. Perrin’s stories always have a certain quirkiness to them that engages the reader and keeps them guessing what will happen or be revealed inside the next flap to lift. The boy goes over the sea, ends up in the mountains, and even a monster makes an appearance. What else is in the suitcase? You’ll have to discover that yourself.

Her illustrations are quirky too, and that adds to the humour and story. The animals, cat and insects are certainly cute, especially the wee snail. I think it is my favourite. It turns up on several pages as well as the front and back covers.

This the third book of hers that I own but my favourite is Inside the villains. Look out for that one too.

The tiny woman’s coat

By Joy Cowley

Illustrated by Giselle Clarkson

ISBN 9781776573424

Gecko Press

This story has been around since 1987 but here it is a bigger format, and wonderful new illustrations.

This is a sweet, short text with a repetitive line The tiny woman wanted a coat. Her desire to make a coat from leaves, sees animals and birds offering their ideas and support as they recycle bits and pieces to help her make a coat, just in time to protect her from the bad weather.

The trees offer her their leaves, the goose helps her cut the cloth, and so it goes that eventually she has her coat. The story is about friendship and how friends help each other.

Joy Cowley has a wonderful way with language that engages the reader. Repetition, alliteration, and onomatopoeia add to the fun. Simple, fun and bound to be read over and over.

The illustrations by Giselle Clarkson, have lots of natural colourings, very wintery on some pages so that I can almost feel the cold. There is also a cute snail in this book who appears on every page, too.

Lovely to see this story out there in a new picture book format for a new generation of readers.

Kiwis and Koalas

By Sarah Milne

Illustrated by Laura Bernard

ISBN 9780473573959

Little Love an imprint of Mary Egan Publishing

Like the author, I too lived in Australia for a number of years. I still think of those years, the people and lifestyle with fondness. I returned to New Zealand many years ago but my memories are still vivid. Sarah has pulled together a sweet story about the love between living in Australia and New Zealand.

Many kiwis will relate to this story, many will have family across the ditch and will enjoy the comparisons between the two countries. Part tour guide, part fun with our language differences, this book is a reminder of the love that exists between the countries, although when it comes to sport, the rivalry is palpable.

The story is about Lily and her dog, Woof, who go in search of a bridge between the two countries. After a short, imaginative adventure, Lily remembers the things she loves, the places she has seen, and the animals and even the food she has eaten, which help celebrate the differences between Australia and New Zealand. It is a reminder that home is a place in your heart.

For young children, I feel the story is very wordy, but for older children who still enjoy a picture book this will have appeal.

The illustrations are sweet with a softness and lots of focus on the greenery of natural environments.

What do you need Little Rhino?

By John J. Lewis

ISBN 9781990003134

Upstart Press

Little Rhino is angry but she has no idea why. Her frustration keeps building and she runs around getting angrier and more upset. Her rhino parents ask lots of questions to try and find out why she is upset but Little Rhino has no answers. Eventually, they find a solution to clam her down.

Little Rhino is like many young children who find themselves overwhelmed with frustration and unable to communicate why they feel the way they do.

The illustrations are full page colour with lots of red and pink, highlighting the sense of how overwhelming and out of control her frustration feels.

A great wee book to read to preschoolers and let them know that frustration and anger is ok but that there are ways to deal with our feelings and sometimes, a hug is all we need.

Nee Naw is back with his special friend Ellie Copter. The Grinny Granny Donkey is now in board book and just in time for Mother’s Day is Oh, so many kisses, also in board book.

Ellie Copter: Nee Naw and Friends

By Deano Yipadee

Illustrated by Paul Beavis

ISBN 9781775437048

Nee Naw is a little red fire engine who finds himself caught up in many adventures. There has been a number of picture books written about him and his numerous friends.

In this latest picture book Nee Naw can’t cross a broken bridge to put out a fire so he calls upon his friend Ellie Copter. Of course, like all good friends, Ellie comes to the rescue and saves the day. The book highlights the lesson not to play with fire.

Paul Beavis creates bright, bold and quirky illustrations which are instantly recognisable. There is no white space on the page, just corner to corner, bright illustrations set in the country landscape of hills and farmyards. Love the sheep!

As with previous books in this fun series, you can download or stream the song.

Oh, so many kisses!

By Maura Finn

Illustrated by Jenny Cooper

ISBN 9781775436829

Scholastic NZ

This delightful book first came out as a picture book with a lovely blue cover in 2018. Now it is available as a padded board book with a new cover. The cheeky smile of a baby stares out and we can’t help but smile.

It is a book of kisses. All sorts of kisses from so many faces. Family, friends, and animals all lovingly offer kisses to the new baby.

This is ideal for brand new babies who will no doubt squirm delightfully as readers plant kisses on them as they read the story.

Jenny Cooper’s illustrations are warm with just the right amount of cuteness. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, this is the perfect gift for a new mum too.

The Grinny Granny Donkey

By Craig Smith

Illustrated by Katz Cowley

ISBN 9781775436874

Also in time for Mother’s Day is the board book of The Grinny Granny Donkey. There is probably a copy of the original story of the Wonky Donkey in almost every home in New Zealand. The story continues now with Granny Donkey. The same sweet but funny illustrations, quirky sense of humour and repeated lines make this a story which will quickly become a familiar favourite with young children.

Even more so if read by a real granny or nana.

Moon and Sun by Melinda Szymanik, illustrated by Malene Laugesen @MelSzymanik : a beautiful picture book about differences and how everyone has their own special strengths.

Moon and Sun by Melinda Szymanik

Illustrated by Malene Laugesen

ISBN 9781988516806

Upstart Press

Moon knows she can never be as bright and warm and beloved as her sister, Sun.

She hides away, shy and sad, only coming out at night. But maybe Moon is more important than she realises…

Moon and Sun is a special picture book. It deals with one of the most common issues children have, that being, insecurity and lack of confidence, lack of self belief and often feeling less important that their older siblings.

Moon is insecure and she thinks her sister, Sun is more beautiful, more popular and generally, better than herself. It really is a common tale, but here Melinda Szymanik shows us that we are all special. We all have much to give and sometimes, doing things together is even better than being on our own.

It is beautifully illustrated with full pages of gorgeous colours. The pictures have a myth-like quality to them which adds an extra dimension to the story.

This is a beautiful book to share with young children. It’s also a good one for teachers in pre-schools and primary schools to use to encourage gentle discussions about how we are all unique. Our differences are our strengths and understanding that, can help children learn to believe in themselves.

Just lovely.

Will you be my friend? The sequel to Guess how much I love you by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram. An absolutely wonderful follow-up and must-have for any family book collection. @walkerbooksAus

Will you be my friend?

By Sam McBratney

Illustrated by Anita Jeram

ISBN 9781406351606

Walker Books

Big Nutbrown Hare and Little Nutbrown Hare are back. Reading this beautiful picture book is just like reconnecting with old friends. You know that feeling you get when you haven’t seen old friends in awhile but the minute you do, you just carry on as if no time has passed at all. That’s the feeling I got when I read this book. And like true friends, they haven’t changed at all. Both are the same wonderful hares that they were then, and are now.

With a bit of growing independence Little Nutbrown Hare goes off for a wander and exploration by himself. He discovers his own reflection and his shadow, but also something else, something very special. Little Nutbrown Hare discovers another Hare. A new friend to play with.

This is just as sweet and beautiful as when we first met the Nutbrown Hares and no doubt at all, this book will also become a classic. A perfect book to give to families with toddlers.

Anita Jeram’s illustrations are delightful, warm and just adorable.

Check out the trailer and then go get yourself a copy of this gorgeous book.

Numenia and the Hurricane: Inspired by a True Migration Story by Fiona Halliday @Fdhalliday Check out this stunning new picture book beautifully captured in this wonderful trailer.

Numenia and the Hurricane:Inspired by a True Migration Story

By Fiona Halliday

Page Street Kids

Trailer by Mark Abery

While on holiday these last few weeks I spent a bit too much time on the internet but it wasn’t wasted. I discovered a wonderful new illustrator. Fiona Halliday has what looks like to be a beautiful new picture book for young readers. I’ve checked out her website too and her artwork really is gorgeous. There is a softness, a gentleness  in her illustrations that draws you in and wants you to connect.  The art work is stunning and beautifully captured in this wonderful trailer.  From quotes from some early reviews I can see how beautiful and poetic the language is and I can’t wait to read it all.  I am certainly going to order this debut book when I return to work in the library.

When the autumnal equinox arrives, Numenia takes off with her two sisters and thousands of other birds to begin their long migration from the Arctic to the islands of the Caribbean. But there is a dangerous storm brewing on the horizon. When the hurricane hits, fierce winds rip Numenia away from her family.

This small, scrappy whimbrel must make her way through unfamiliar terrain and rough conditions to reunite with her sisters. Battling hunger, loneliness, and raging winds, Numenia finds the strength to endure the elements on her miraculous journey.

 

How Māui slowed the sun. Retold by Donovan Bixley. Special thanks to @nzbookcouncil who made it possible to meet Donovan in person. @upstartpressnz

How Māui slowed the sun

Retold by Donovan Bixley

Illustrated by Donovan Bixley

Advised and translated by Dr Darren Joseph and Keri Opai

ISBN 9781988516202

Upstart Press

 

I had the great pleasure yesterday of meeting author and illustrator Donovan Bixley and yes he was wearing his famous top hat. He was taking a workshop for young students as part of the ReadNZ, (formerly the New Zealand Book Council ) Speed Date an Author program. He was great with the students and I loved how he shared his ideas about illustrating, with the main concern that children should not sit there, pen in hand, and wait for perfection. Children were encouraged to start with squiggles and see where it took them. Lots of discussion took place and everyone was engaged, so if you get the opportunity to have Donovan at your school, then go for it.

His latest book is eye-catching. There is no way you can miss the bright, vivid cover or Māui’s cheeky smile.

Donovan’s retelling adds a touch of humour to the traditional tale of Maui and how he slowed the sun. Māui is upset that he cannot do all he wants to do in a day because the sun rushes across the sky so fast there is not enough light left to accomplish everything. He comes up with a plan and organises everyone to work together to trap the sun Tama-nui-te-rā.

His characters, especially Māui, have personality which shines through. The first endpaper has a selection of small illustrations with both English and Te Reo words which will assist readers. On the last page Māui addresses the reader with a “Ka kite anō Catch you next time” which gives us hope that there will be another book in this Tales of Aotearoa series.

The first in the series is How Māui Fished up the North Island and is also a must-have for school libraries. Great resources for schools looking at Maori myths and legends.

Here he is hard at work.

 

And here is my own gorgeously signed copy. Thank you Donovan!

Scary Tales : Rhymes for Brave Children by Judi Billcliff and illustrated by Deborah Hinde. Traditional rhymes get a scary makeover.

Scary Tales: Rhymes for Brave Children

By Judi Billcliff

Illustrated by Deborah Hinde

ISBN 9780473483043

PictureBook Publishing

Judi Billcliff has taken traditional rhymes and given them a makeover; a scary makeover.

The blurb on the back of this picture book asks if you are brave enough to look inside and meet the scary creatures and there are plenty of them. You just might need to be brave! There are witches, goblins, and ghosts too. Even Count Dracula makes an appearance in these reimagined  rhymes with a twist of scariness and lots of laughter.

 

 Scary Mary

Scary Mary quite contrary

How does your garden grow?

With wailing moans

And rattling bones

All hanging in a row.

You’ll have to to read the book to find out what else she has in her garden.

Deborah Hinde, as always, provides gorgeous illustrations; cheeky, funny, quirky, but also with a warmth which leaves us feeling safe after our journey into the spookiness of scary tales. This is a great book to use when thinking about Halloween, too.

Otto goes North by Ulrika Kestere : a sweet, comical, caring picture book about animal friends and how they find a solution to help each other. Gorgeous. @geckopress

Otto goes North

By Ulrika Kestere

ISBN 9781776572427

Gecko Press

I love the opening sentence of this new picture book.

Far up in the north you’ll find a blueberry-blue house with a grass roof. 

Who can resist a blueberry-blue house, a grass roof, a sauna and a setting as beautiful as the mountains and the sea.

Otto the Lemur cycles for a very, very long time to visit his friends, far, far away so he can see the Northern Lights. He wants to paint a picture of the lights so he can remember their beauty but it is too cold for a lemur and he struggles to keep warm. His friends, Lisa the lynx and Nils, the young bear, come up with a plan, as good friends do. The conversations are delightfully comical and I found myself giggling away at times.

Gorgeous illustrations but in particular, check out the expressions on the animals faces. Love Otto’s red nose as he shivers in the cold. There is so much on offer here and teachers could  go beyond a simple reading and extend students learning. It’s about good friends, kindness, caring, creative thinking and problem solving, as well as a good read.

 

 

 

 

Flit the Fantail and the Mystery Eggs by Kat Merewether. Another heartwarming picture book about Flit and his forest friends @scholasticNZ

Flit the Fantail and the Mystery Eggs

By Kat Merewether

ISBN 9781775435112

I am delighted to say that Flit the fantail is back for a whole new adventure. He is just as charming and curious as he was in Flit the Fantail and the flying flop.

This time Flit finds eight rubbery eggs all on their own. He asks all the forest birds if the eggs belong to them but they all say no. Their eggs are different. Their eggs are not rubbery and white. Flit becomes more anxious as he searches for their owner. There is a happy ending and after the eggs hatch, the babies are reunited with their mother. Who is their mother? I’m not saying as that would ruin the surprise but it is definitely a mystery for younger readers to investigate.

This is a great picture book for schools and families learning about many of our native New Zealand birds. The illustrations are adorable, with wide-eyed birds and their very expressive faces. I love the colour spread where they are all suddenly frightened. It is a talented illustrator who can show fear in their characters eyes, even when the characters are just so cute. Love it.  Reassures us all that we are all different but we all belong together and that teamwork will help solve most problems. I hope Flit and his friends come back for more adventures. I’m very happy the friendly ladybird is also back with Flit. You can look out for it on almost every page. 

There is also a Te Reo version of this gorgeous picture book.

Polly does NOT want a cracker. New picture book written and illustrated by Stephanie Thatcher @upstartpressnz sure to be one of those books that children will want to hear over and over.

Polly does NOT want a cracker

By Stephanie Thatcher

ISBN 9781988516592

Upstart Press

 

Oh dear. Poor old Polly is a parrot living in a zoo but she is so sick of everyone asking her if she wants a cracker that instead of being nice and friendly, she is grumpy and shouty. Polly definitely does NOT want a cracker and lets everyone know it. In fact Polly can’t stand crackers. Polly continually squawks a rather loud NO whenever people ask her about crackers. Polly is so loud and grumpy that she gets sent to a pet store. Unfortunately, even in the pet store she is not safe from people asking “Polly want a cracker?”. One day a special customer comes in to the shop and what she does makes all the difference to Polly.

This is definitely a picture book to share and read out loud. Parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians, in fact anyone will earn bonus points for adding their own squawky voices when Polly says, “No! No! NO!”

Gorgeous illustrations. I love the expression in Polly’s eyes. You can certainly tell the difference between when she is happy and when she is grumpy. One to read again and again. 

Overcoming fear, humour and diversity in two new picture books for young readers from @scholasticnz

Two new picture books from Scholastic aimed at younger readers. One young girl deals with fear of the unknown, and a young boy deals with an unwanted distraction but both have elements of humour which is always good. Both have lovely endings.

 

There’s a hedgehog in my pants

By Amy Harrop

Illustrated by Ross Kinnaird

ISBN 9781775435655

 

A little bit of lighthearted fun about an unwelcome hedgehog who takes up residence inside a young boy’s pants. The trouble is the boy is wearing his pants. The prickly creature will just not leave. No matter what the boy does, the hedgehog is firmly tucked up inside his pants. He tries dancing  and shaking his bottom, even tries yelling at the hedgehog hoping to scare it away but no luck. He is running out of options.

A funny, rhyming picture book with brightly coloured and comical illustrations which will delight those readers with a more wicked sense of humour.

 

Things in the sea are touching me!

By Linda Jane Keegan

Illustrated by Minky Stapleton

ISBN 9781775435709

 

“Look in the water, Ma!

Golly, oh, gee!

Some thing in the sea 

is touching me!”

A young girl goes to the beach with her two mothers hoping to have a wonderful day playing in the sand, swimming in the sea and just spending time together. However, it turns out that every time the young girl steps in the water, she feels things touching her. It’s great to see how once she discovers whatever is touching her is safe, her fears slip away. A good book to read to young children who might be afraid of the sea, or perhaps might just be a bit more anxious than other children. It’s good to see diversity in picture books too. There will surely be children who recognise themselves in this picture book. Her fears show up in the darker illustrations while the safety, joy and love of family show up in illustrations with more bold and bright colours.

Saying goodbye to Barkley by Devon Sillett @ladyliterology @EK_Books : a gentle way to deal with the loss of a family pet.

Saying goodbye to Barkley

By Devon Sillett

Illustrated by Nicky Johnston

ISBN 9781925335965

EKbooks

 

As every parent knows, the loss of a pet can be traumatic for the whole family. Pets are very much part of family life and the death of such a beloved animal affects children in different ways. Saying goodbye to Barkley is a sweet and gentle picture book where Olivia deals with the loss of Barkley, her wonderful crime-fighter sidekick. Olivia and Barkley did everything together. Their friendship is real and her grief after his passing is also real. There is a happy ending which is great.

A good way to deal with death of a pet and open up discussions in a gentle way.