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Picturebook Reviews
Attack of the Hangries
Katherine Pryor, illus. Thiago Buzzy, pub. Worthy Kids
Hungry + Angry = Hangry
They can sneak up on you anywhere - at school, at home, and when they do arrive - Wham! the attack of the Hangries takes over.
This amusingly illustrated picture book is more than just a picture book - it explains what happens to your body when you get an attack of the Hangries - teaching children vocabulary such as Adrenaline and Cortisol. It also has a really informative section at the back of the book to explain what happens to your food after you've eaten, which foods to reach for to fuel up between meals, along with some fun facts such as ... a human's small intestine can be 18 to 22 feet long – that’s longer than the average car!
So, if your children let their hunger build, and their moods slide to the point when suddenly the Hangries have got them, this is the book for you.
Carol Farley
Big Thoughts: Catch and Release Your Worries
Laura Dockrill, illus. Ashling Lindsay, pub. Walker Books
This beautiful and important picture book is about a small boy called Sonny and how he learns to manage his big and sometimes overwhelming emotions.
The book starts on a good day, a time when Sonny feels happy and relaxed and is about to go on a bike ride with his family. His mind is full of his favourite things like jellybeans, shooting stars and sunshine. Nothing can stop this happy chap and the pages are illustrated with light bright colours. Soon however we come across a bad day, when the little boy has worries, when he doesn’t believe in himself, when his heart thumps and he feel like he wants to cry. These pages are illustrated with a limited colour palette, more muted with black and red-black clouds surrounding him. Finally, after a confusing time he confides in his older sister who tells him he brave he is to talk to her and shows him different ways of dealing with these feelings. Sonny sees that we all have these big feelings and that by talking about them we can help ourselves and others.
This book cleverly demonstrates to children that they are not alone with their worries. That even when their thoughts and feelings of sadness or frustration feel overwhelming talking to someone will help and that being with people who love us will always help. This book would be so useful for parents or carers sitting with their child, reading it together and then taking the opportunity to talk through some of the ideas. A beautiful book.
Anna Elson
Harmony House
Monika Singh Gangotra, illus. Nicci Martin, pub. Owlet Press
In a corner of a quiet town stands Harmony House, but this house is definitely not quiet and neither is it in harmonious. The residents all love to play music but disagree over whose music is best. Gabriel loves to play violin; Ade bashes out bouncy beats on his drums; Mei enchants her pet fish with her flute; Coen hums through his didgeridoo and Mrs Singh plucks her sitar. Not only that, but they also all play at all times of the day and rather than talk to each other to work out a system, they play even louder to make themselves heard.
Meanwhile, the residents of the town frown at the cacophony as they pass by and complain to the Council about the noise. The musicians face eviction unless they can work together in time for the Council visit. After much noisy argument, it takes a child, Melody, the quietest resident of the house, to find a solution that brings them all together. Finally, the musicians start to really listen to each other and find that working together creates unity and harmony.
This timely and heartwarming read explores diversity and conveys the concept that we are stronger and happier when working together. Using music as a metaphor, the story explains that despite our differences, if we really listen to others, we can create something joyful and inspiring that can overcome some of life’s challenges and enhance individual expression rather than diminish it.
The charming illustrations flow from page to page and the book ends with some suggestions of how to create your own family band. The most beautiful music happens when everyone works together.
Janet Ling
The Kerfuffle
Clotilde Perrin, trans. Daniel Hahn, pub. Gecko Press
Have you ever experienced a kerfuffle? It’s not a word we often use but it’s a wonderful one that we should make more use of. It applies perfectly to this story of Kitty and Pup.
Kitty and Pup have always got along. Next door neighbours, their houses are not identical, don’t be fooled, look more closely at those expressive and hilarious illustrations, and because the illustrations tell so much of the story keep looking. Turn the page for the commencement of the kerfuffle, can you find any clues about what might have started it? Whatever the cause Kitty is upset Pup has taken something and Pup is upset that Kitty is just mean. They are so fed up with one another they decide they have had enough; a wall is going up so they will never have to see or talk to one another ever again. The wall gets higher and higher until they are content not seeing one another, until the day a visitor arrives. Will Bunnikins take sides?
This story is an absolute delight. It takes the idea of friendship, delves into the reasons why things can go wrong, how misunderstandings can get out of hand, how there can be pandemonium, all without any judgement. There is no lid put on the idea of pandemonium here, only acceptance and an example of how to make things better again. Fabulous.
Louise Ellis-Barrett
The Marvellous Now
Angela DiTerlizzi, illus. Lorenza Alvarez Gomez, pub. Little, Brown
All too often we are more than certain that what is coming tomorrow, next week, next month or even next year are the most pressing thoughts we could have. We are always projecting our minds forwards, sometimes even backwards and forgetting that it is now, in this moment of time, that we need to be. How do we remind children of the same?
The Marvellous Now is an excellent starting point and with its companions, The Magical Yet and The Curious Why children and young readers can discover the practice of mindfulness whilst also learning to keep cool, calm and even collected. My review copy was the hardback with its dust jacket, glittery ‘Now’ and then a charming collection of artwork from the story underneath. Even before we had started looking at the story we were fascinated and calmed. Of course there are moments in the book which feel chaotic, there to remind us that is sometimes how we might look and feel too but they come with sage advice and an introduction to Now.
Open your hearts and minds when you open this book. Discover that there is an unfathomable joy in discovering the now, giving yourself a break and simply being you.
Antonia Grey
The Monster in the Lake
Leo Timmers, pub. Gecko Press
A large format and larger than life picture book, ideal for the story inside. This is the story of a big lake and a really big monster but rather than being afraid brave Eric the duck follows his friends on a journey that will lead to an exciting discovery. Children are going to love this story, watching out for what, apparently, they can see but the characters can’t…
There are four ducks. When one decides they should all go to the lake two of the other three eagerly follow. Eric is hesitant, he’s heard about the monster. Each of his friends has something reassuring to tell him, some encouragement. The three ducks are starting to swim on the lake, in one direction, keen eyed readers will notice something about the fish beneath them. All looks calm though so Eric ventures in behind them. When he dives under the surface Eric sees a monster but his friends, without even turning round, think he is simply joking but what the reader sees next will absolutely delight them and the other three ducks? Well, it seems they might truly be afraid but do they need to be?
On one level this is an incredibly simple, straightforward story. Four friends, one of whom is not as brave and is worried about stories of a monster. He gathers his courage, swims with them and discovers something wonderful whilst the others realise they might not be as brave as they first thought. On the next level however, there is so much more to this story, there is a greater meaning to the words, and especially in the illustrations which are incredibly expressive and include a special fold out of the underwater world Leo Timmers has so marvellously created. A picture book with an enormous amount to offer.
Louise Ellis-Barrett
Mr Crump, the Heartless Grump
Pog, illus. Stéphanie Léon, trans. Katy Lockwood-Holmes, pub. Floris Books
In this picture-book, the reader is given a few examples of Mr Crump’s grumpiness, as the title suggests, but we are also shown him as a little boy sitting sadly on the stairs in a cold house, unloved and unhappy. Perhaps hinting at the reason for his grumpiness. We learn he doesn’t like children, and he feeds the pigeons with breadcrumbs spiced with hot sauce. However, he has made up for his childhood lack of toys by collecting a lot of teddy bears, which he loves, especially Captain Snuggles (who wears a pirate hat and eye patch) and he likes to read stories to them.
On Hallowe’en, he is so lost in his memories that he doesn’t hear children shouting ‘Trick or
treat?’, nor does he notice when they creep in… Then they realise whose house they are in…They all stare at each other before a little vampire takes a teddy bear, thanks Mr Crump something much better than candy and gives him a hug. Soon all his bears are gone except Captain Snuggles, but he has had a Thank-you note, and so many hugs! From that day on, the children greet him in the street, and sometimes draw him pictures, and his cold heart melts. He stops being nasty to people, and pigeons, and starts to enjoy life.
This story has been translated from French, but it reads well: the only slightly odd construction being “It is a very nice thing to be hugged, is it not?” which is definitely from the French ‘n’est-ce pas?’ The illustrations are in lovely autumnal colours, with the exception of Mr Crump’s childhood home, which is all grey, so it stands out even more. The message will be clear to an adult reading this with a child: sometimes unhappy people have a reason to be so, but, with love and understanding, they can find happiness and become nicer people.
Diana Barnes
My Book of Classic Nursery Tales
James Mayhew, pub. Otter-Barry Books
Having been a fan of James Mayhew’s Katie stories for many years, I was delighted to hear I’d be reviewing his latest offering, and not least because I really am a sucker for Fairy Tales and think they are sadly told and read far less nowadays. Traditional tales are perfect for introducing story structure to young children, introducing them to the clear beginning, middle and end of a story in a way that is so easy for them to retell themselves, whilst developing key language skills by offering opportunities to join in with delightful repetitive phrases or line endings!
Sadly, I have read many retellings over the years that omit these fundamentals and thus miss the mark for children wanting to hear them again and again! James Mayhew’s offering however did not disappoint! Here he has selected eight delightful stories including favourites such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Billy Goats Gruff, which sit alongside a lesser-known tale of The Vain Little Mouse. Each tale is lovingly retold in just the right way to keep it both truly traditional, yet fresh and engaging, all whilst being beautifully illustrated in a style which aligns with their true origins. An information section at the end of the book offers further details about these origins, as well as Mayhew’s own notes and further details on his illustration choices. These notes offer wonderful additional talking points for young children and also make this book ideal for older readers with an interest in the origins of traditional tales.
We all know how much children love to join in with repeated phrases like the ‘trip-trap.’ of the Billy Goats or the ‘Huff and puff’ of the Big Bad Wolf, so that this book will delight young readers may come as no surprise, but here Mayhew offers something just a little more. A little more language, a little more structure, a little more detail or maybe just a little added flavour… let’s call it porridge with added honey! Perfect for bedtime reading or introducing groups of children to these classic tales, I have no doubt that this gorgeous book will become a firm favourite.
Tracey-Anne Corner
Shibu’s Tail
Tess Thomas, illus. Kamwei Fong, pub. Allen and Unwin
This is the story of a small black cat called Shibu and his magnificent, large and bushy tail. It is with this tail that the cat is able to express his emotions, whether it is happiness, anger, frustration or sorrow. However, when he realizes that others are keeping their feelings private, Shibu decides that he will do the same, rather than stand out. The problem is that the longer he hides his feelings, the more fraught he becomes, just like a pressure cooker waiting to explode. Eventually he does reach this breaking point and has to decide what he wants to do.
At first sight this seems to be a very straightforward story, but the more you read it, the more depth you can find in it. This is a story about how we cope with our emotions and about the importance of sharing how we feel. I loved the fact that Shibu accepts his need to show emotion and then helps the other cats to share their feelings and show empathy to each other.
The book is very simple in format, with short lines of text and just the black cat as the central character. It is only when you look closely at the images that you see the wonderful complexity and detail that the illustrator has created. Shibu is a mass of short, thin black lines, which give the appearance of fur and which can be used to show movement and emotion. Wonderful to read with early years.
Margaret Pemberton
Some Days I’m the Wind
Rebecca Gardyn Levington, illus. Dinara Mirtalipova, narr. Teresa Gallagher, pub. Barefoot Books
Feelings - some are joyful, some full of shades of sadness, and others tranquil and beautiful. How we navigate these makes our day-to-day lives fuller and balanced. This basic skill of manoeuvring emotions should be taught to children in order for them to lead lives full of high emotional intelligence. Some Days I’m the Wind is a book that helps in the acknowledgement of emotions in a fun way. The book is worded by award winning poet Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by wonderful folk artist and assistant professor at Cleveland Institute of Art - Dinara Mirtalipova.
The colourful and creative artwork draws the readers in for a wavy ride through the little girl's feelings as she feels light like a bird and utters, “some days I'm the wind;” at other times she's lost in imagination with a cloud forming above her head. On these occasions she says, “some days I’m a cloud, drifting, dreaming, floating far away.” At other times she's so disciplined and strong that she says, “some days I'm a tree, flourishing, strong, reaching for the sky.” Children get to discover a wide array of feelings, namely wonder; curiosity; rage; despondence; peace; happiness and many more expressions demonstrated with inventiveness in this delightful poem.
The author concludes the poem by affirming that all these emotions make an individual. Furthermore, activities to check in on one's moods are added as a supplement by Child Development Specialist Stephanie Paige Weider along with a QR code which, when scanned, gives access to the narration by the much acclaimed voice artist Teresa Gallagher. The book is a lovely and thoughtful work created by professionals who have worked with/for children. It's a great story and resource for 2-4 years old to acquaint with, express and accept their big emotions in an imaginative manner.
Ishika Tiwari
Squirrel and Bird
Laura Baker, illus. Stacey Thomas, pub. Little Tiger
This is a very beautiful book, with a gold-embossed cover, and endpapers covered in detailed illustrations of flora and fauna, in gentle autumn colours. We meet Squirrel, who is very LOUD, and Bird, who hardly makes a sound, and they are best friends. But is Bird quiet by choice?
We are seeing the situation from Squirrel’s point of view, but slowly Bird’s feelings creep in. “Squirrel is busy, busy, busy! Bird prefers to sit and do nothing. (In a different font) Wait, what? I’m not doing nothing!” They prepare to give a concert, and ‘Squirrel is confident. Bird is shy’ - but on the next double- page spread Bird breaks out with a loud “ENOUGH!” and follows up: “We are not only what you say we are!” Bird sings, beautifully, and Squirrel is quiet and listens. They decide that they are many things, not necessarily all at once, and that they can be whoever they want to be.
Neither creature is identified with a gender, so this will work with any child or children. The illustrations are in varying shades of brown and grey, and very restful, but the faces of the two creatures are full of character. Laura Baker has written a lot of picture books, paired with various illustrators, but Stacey Thomas, who specialises in folklore and nature, is a good match for this story.
Diana Barnes
To Activate Space Portal Lift Here
Antoinette Portis, pub. Scallywag Press
In this charming and hilarious book readers will think that they're gazing at two aliens. That is what it looks like at the opening, but the truth is that Blrg and Zrk are actually staring at us! While the alien duo initially worry that readers are here to eat them, these concerns disappear when they notice those ‘very tiny teeth.’ They’ve just said ‘Hi!’ when the power level of the book drops indicating the forthcoming closure of the portal before which farewells are exchanged and Blrg and Zrk deliver a final message to all planet earthlings. However, by now the auto translate has turned red so they, and we readers, will never know what ‘SKF FLRBL GRNK!’ means. The story challenges the impression that aliens are different from humans as they seem to have similar reactions to ours in a similar situation.
For those ready to go boldly where no one has gone before, this is a fabulous, fun, interactive read. Complete with Power and Auto Translate buttons at the bottom of the right-hand pages, this picture book is certain to be very appealing to young children interested in science fiction and aliens. The illustrations are bright, colourful and are framed as if through a window against the black background of outer space.
Katy Ralph
The Turtle who turned the Tide
Rachel Bright, illus. Jim Field, pub. Orchard Books
This is a delightful mix of story and information that will enthral its young readers. It tells of the amazing event that is seen on sandy beaches around the world; this is the hatching of turtle eggs and the mass migration down to the sea. In this case it is the story of a hatchling called Tula and her brother called Tiny as they make the short but perilous journey to the water’s edge.
Unfortunately, Tiny gets sidetracked by some bright lights (a well-known natural occurrence) and Tula makes the decision to go and find him. As they finally make their way back to the beach, the rescue mission being a success, they encounter one final challenge, a rather large and hungry snake; luckily the other animals come to their aid and they finally make it to safety.
This story has all of the elements that we have come to expect from this writing duo. There is a funny and rhyming text, together with a bright, energetic and humorous set of illustrations. The combination of factual information, together with the elements about family and helping others make for a book that can be read on several levels. Of course, there has to be some suspension of belief as I don’t think the turtles would have names and know each other directly after they hatch. This is definitely an excellent addition for the KS1 library and classroom, but it will also appeal to those who love watching nature programmes on tv.
Margaret Pemberton
What Came First?
Kit Frost, Aaron Cushley, pub. HarperCollins Children’s Books
What came first, the chicken or the egg, the age old question that has enlivened many a discussion! The book What Came First? takes this question and expands it to encompass a wider variety of science and history questions. It offers us the opportunity to consider how events are linked and challenges some of our preconceptions about the chronology of them.
Children will find the insights and comparisons fascinating, but adults can also learn a thing or two. Take two of the most iconic dinosaurs - Tyrannosaurus and Stegosaurus - did you know that they actually never met! And they weren't even close to it either - they were separated by 80 million years, which is actually longer than it's been since the dinosaurs became extinct!
Covering much more than just the fan-favourite dinosaurs, this immerses us in a world of human innovation. You'll explore everything from space travel in the modern age, to ancient games such as marbles, chess and draughts - the latter of which I was fascinated to learn was found it Egyptian Pharaoh Hatshepsut's tomb.
And the answer to the question we started with? The egg came first with a fantastic dissection on the history of eggs and the evolution of chickens.
Hannah Bartleet