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Picturebook Reviews
Don’t Do It, Doug
Maudie Powell-Tuck, illus. Duncan Beedie, pub. Little Tiger
There was once a hamster by the name of Doug. This hamster had lots of problems with his impulses, he simply didn’t know how to control them. This is his story and it might sound familiar, it might sound like you or someone you know. Be kind, to yourself and to those someone’s. Share this story, giggle (because it is funny) but most of all learn how to control those impulses for your own, and other people’s safety!
Doug is always in trouble for one thing or another, it comes naturally to him, not that he intends any of it, not really, he’s just very curious. If he see’s a sign which says ‘Do not pull’ can you guess what he does? Yes, he pulls it and the results might give him a few bumps but it is funny to see. Fizzy pop? Of course, he shakes it before opening. Big red ‘do not press’ button? Doug presses it. Author, Maudie Powell-Tuck has thought of some serious signs, some serious warnings, collected them together and made a cautionary tale. Duncan Beedie has illustrated them with precision and yet also a very child-friendly exploration of the outcomes. The two blend brilliantly and will ensure young readers see the error in Doug’s ways and understand why they too need to try and control their impulses!
With some great messages and an ending that, well perhaps I will leave you to discover what happens at the end and reassure you that no real hamsters were harmed in the making of this book. A wonderful sharing title that will ensure lessons learned with laughter.
Louise Ellis-Barrett
The Dreamies
Iona Campbell, pub. Magic Cat Publishing
This is a charming story that brings to the attention of young readers a new and magical idea about the dreams we all have as we sleep. Author Iona Campbell has created The Dreamies, characters who create our dreams, using magical paint to take the sleeper on some great adventures and experiences in other worlds. However, sometimes these dreams become too big and they turn into nightmares. This means that the Dreamies have the job of calming things down. This also needs the use of imagination by the young dreamer, so that the scary becomes funny, small or cuddly and is no longer the problem they thought they had.
Many children have issues with sleep and dreams and are especially concerned about having nightmares. This book was written in conjunction with a child sleep specialist and she gives advice at the back of the book to help parents support their child when they are having problems with sleep.
The concept of the story is delightful and we can all imagine these small characters who spend their nights creating the happy dreams that we can sometimes remember. The illustrations are really bright and full of energy, and I love the way that the Dreamies all have their own paint brushes, ready to create magic for every child. What a truly original concept to help children who are struggling with sleep issues. It teaches empathy and understanding and should find a home, not only in school, but also in the home bookshelf. A great story for Foundation years and beyond.
Margaret Pemberton
The Home That Love Built
Jessica Meserve, pub. Little Tiger Press
As your reviewer writes in the pouring rain, in a sodden Britain, this book feels very topical, even though it is evidently set in the USA, where the author/illustrator once lived. We follow a raindrop as it is swept into a stormy woodland where we see the creatures “all soggy and sad. Here is a nest too mushy to fix. Here is a nook too shattered for shelter. And here is a burrow too flooded to use. This was a mess too mudded to mend. Unless…”
What comes next is an example of the way all the creatures help each other to recover from the storm. With the bugs rolling mud, the birds carrying twigs dipped in the mud, the mice weaving grass, the raccoon bringing moss “to soften the nests so safe and snug,” and the bear gathering berries “to fill the tummies now ravenous and rumbly,” so the nest is ready.
The beavers build a dam, but it becomes clear that it’s not going to be high enough “to calm the river so full and fast. Unless…” Everyone pitches in to help, and when the job is finally done they all fall asleep in a heap on top! Even after that there are still tasks. As the story comes to a close we see the raccoons helping the mice to find a new nook, and small creatures help to create a new burrow for the ants.
It’s a lovely concept, if totally unrealistic! However, it could be used to support anxious children, helping them feel that they are part of a community, loved and supported no matter what. The cumulative and rhythmic language makes the text perfect for reading aloud in any sharing situations, and the wispy illustrations are delightful. Jessica Meserve has another book Our Tree, on a similar sharing theme, due to be published later this year.
Diana Barnes
The Laugh
Fay Evans, illus. Ayse Klinge, pub. Flying Eye Books
This short but sweet picture book packs a powerful punch and has universal appeal. It is especially poignant for those who have experienced grief or loss.
There once was a lady who had the loveliest laugh in the world. Her laughter could be many things, loud, quiet, kind, pretty, but it was always contagious. When people heard it they wanted to laugh along. On the day the lady passes away her laugh disappears leaving a big hole in the world. One little girl and her father look everywhere for laugh, but they can’t find it and it makes them feel sad. Later, when an unexpected event causes the girl to laugh out loud, there it is – the laugh is back.
Warmth and empathy shine from every page of this book which was inspired by the author’s own mother. The book is intended to help those dealing with grief and provides information and signposts to advice from Child Bereavement UK. Although it doesn’t shy away from the pain of losing a loved one, it is ultimately a hopeful book which could be shared with even very young children. The story is beautifully illustrated, and the characters pictured are from different racial backgrounds which is an added bonus and adds to the wide appeal of this charming and sensitive book.
Janet Ling
The Map of Me
Nicola Davies, illus. Olga Shtonda, pub. Templar Books
In her old home, the girl at the centre of this picture book knew where everything was and could find her way around the neighbourhood. We are shown a map naming the significant places. But her family has moved. She can’t find a thing in their new flat and she easily gets get lost when they go out. Mum draws a map showing her where the new significant places are, but Granny and Joe-Dog are missing from it.
Mum explains that the map is too small to show things far away, so the girl draws a bigger map, filling a whole wall, showing where they are, even finding room to add the library where she can borrow books for free, and other newly special places. She’s made some new friends who like the map so much that they add their own homes, their grannies, and their dogs! With all these new, exciting additions, the distances began to shrink, and the world seems less scary. But sad things happen too, like the death of Joe-Dog. The little girl realises that being on the map doesn’t make everything safe and she’s sad. By morning, Dad has drawn a new map, showing how they all got to where they are now. She and her friends like the idea so much they use the library and research more, resulting in another map showing that things can change before adding a final one for the future.
Nicola Davies concludes with the suggestion that children create their own maps and gives a link to activities to help make them a reality. Illustrator Olga Shtonda, originally from Ukraine, says “My works are highly inspired by humans and nature, they are fun and cheerful because I like to make people smile:)” This incredibly positive book does just that and will help displaced children, as well as make readers smile.
Diana Barnes
Naughty
Jeanne Willis, illus. Paddy Donnelly, pub. Andersen Press
Firstly, you’ll be drawn to read this book by its title Naughty and the extravagance in the colours of the front cover – it is so vivid and eye catching! Then come the questions - Who is the boy (Nigel) on the stairs? How has he been naughty? What are all the animals doing in the hallway? Nigel has some explaining to do! But don’t jump straight into the story without observing the title page and Nigel tiptoeing a variety of muddy animal footprints across the blank page. Why are HIS footprints emerging as animals? – Turn the pages to find out.
As you progress through the story more animals appear causing increasing amounts of chaos. There is so much to see in each picture and so much to discuss with any child.
Follow each scene carefully and you’ll notice that the calm weather, seen through the window, becomes ever darker and chaotic, mimicking the situation in the home until peace is restored and the storm breaks.
There are so many comic elements to enjoy, particularly the dodo bird in the picture hanging on the wall – he watches everything that’s taking place with his beady eyes, just like we are and he expresses his shock and disbelief in ways that will make readers laugh. Paddy Donnelly’s illustrations are an absolute delight – the vibrant colours vividly depict the chaos playing out on each page from these mischievous characters.
Then comes the ending – and the whole message of the book – kids are kids, they learn by making mistakes, getting things wrong and causing chaos in the process. And adults? They can slip up too! Is that being naughty? You decide.
Claire Webb
Pass the Parcel
Carly Gledhill, pub. Post Wave
Parcels are sent off on their journey’s every day. They come in all shapes and sizes and many will follow the same process once they leave their initial location. But what is that process? What happens to a parcel once it’s been packed, sealed and sent? For anyone who was ever curious and has ever received a parcel this wonderful story will answer all your questions and has a very clever, very surprising and very funny ending.
Parcel invites you to join him on a very special adventure. He’s very excited so hopefully you are too. You see there is plenty of fun ahead for you all. The best part. Neither parcel, nor you, dear reader, know where you are going or who you will meet on the way. After getting dressed, and remembering his labels, parcel is off to the post office where, after queuing its time for stamps and stickers and then it’s off to the dispatch zone. From there the journey is a fantastic mix of jokes adult readers sharing the story will love – the wry humour is fantastic – whilst children will no doubt be fascinated by the long and varied journey parcel takes. There is travel by road, a lift from a crane, then boat and plane and still parcel has not reached his final destination. When he does there is a problem. No one knows who he is for? Oh dear, what is to be done…?
A fabulous exploration of the postal system, a zany journey with plenty to see and do, an interactive picturebook which is certain to be a popular read whether children know the ending or not!
Louise Ellis-Barrett
Sunny and Stormy
Sarah Holliday, pub. Flying Eye Books
The weather makes a wonderful topic for a picturebook since its many different aspects can be so easily turned into characters. The nature of those characters, whilst staying true to the weather type they are derived from, can be varied as much as the creators wish it to be. All characters in stories go through various trials, adventures, fun times, the weather can be treated in the same way. Making it into characters helps explain the concept to children who will soon become fascinated!
Sunny and Stormy are two magical sisters who live above the village. Sunny creates sunbeams and the villagers love and celebrate her, but Stormy's power makes the winds blow and raindrops fall which causes complaints. As Stormy becomes more envious of her sister’s powers she tries to change who she is with disastrous consequences. It's only when she runs away to hide that the villagers and her sister start to realise her true value.
Sarah Holliday has written a lovely story about being true to yourself and appreciating difference. Her animation background shines through in her rich and vibrant illustrations make this picture book a joy to share.
Mariesa Dulak
Tractors in Space
Ross Mackay, illus. Alex Willmore, pub. DK
Toby the tractor loves his home on the farm but has always dreamed of going into space. He wishes with all his heart that he could find a way to land on the moon. Determined to fulfil his dream Toby tries and tries again. One day his efforts pay off and finally he blasts off into space, leaving Earth behind him until it looks like nothing more than a tiny dot.
But space is not how he imagined and the moon is nowhere to be seen. Toby begins to worry that he’s made a mistake. Thankfully he’s rescued by a gigantic tractor called Big Red who takes Toby on a tour around the wispy, twirly galaxy. Together they meet other tractor friends for some fun and games and these new friends eventually help Toby to fulfil his dream of landing on the moon. Seeing the Earth from the moon reminds Toby of the farm and of the animals there who need him. With a little help from his new friends Toby makes his way home to be welcomed by the animals. He will always remember the tractors in space and the fun he had.
This is a joyous and slightly bonkers book with delightfully colourful illustrations. The combination of tractors, space and a heartwarming story is surely a winning formula.
Janet Ling
Tyrannosaurus Veg
Smriti Halls, illus. Katherina Manolessou, pub. Faber Books
Dinosaurs are still a perennial favourite for many young children and any story that features a Tyrannosaurus Rex is bound to become a great favourite. However, this T-Rex, called Reginald, is a little bit different and feels that he stands out from the crowd, not necessarily in a good way.
Whilst his family and friends all love to feast on lots of meat, Reginald is a great fan of anything that is fruit or vegetable based. In other words, he is a vegetarian T-Rex; something the others cannot quite get their heads around. So, Reginald decides to leave home and try and find other dinosaurs that enjoy the same things he does. Unfortunately, he scares most of them off because of what he is, how big he is and what they think he will be like. Luckily his family and friends realize that it’s the person that counts, not what he likes to eat and they persuade him to return to their group.
This is a multilayered story that children will love. It’s all about healthy eating, family, being oneself, not judging others and generally accepting those who are different in the way they act and think. Reginald is a delightful character, who is a T-Rex in all ways except that he likes his fruit and veg. The fact that his friends think he is quite odd is something that is really hurtful and this is a message that is quite important for us, as human beings, to understand. A wonderful addition for the early years book collections.
Margaret Pemberton
We Grew A Dragon
Emma Chinnery, pub. Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Dragons mean magic and this is exactly what this book is – Magic!
The front cover is glorious – the beautiful salmon pink dragon swooping through an indigo sky, with a sprinkle of sparkling gold. Between the covers, you’ll find even more. Tina and her mum have a very special bond; they mean everything to each other – they are each other’s ‘special person’. One day, mum introduces Tina to her new friend and his son, Tom, who live in the country, far from their city flat. Tina feels some trepidation, but it doesn’t last long. Tom shares with her a most magnificent secret: tucked away, out of sight of the grown-ups, he has hidden a dragon! Without hesitation, they take it upon themselves to look after it. As it grows so does their friendship, in stark contrast to their respective parents.
As the story progresses the illustrations of the body language between the grown-ups show them becoming so indifferent that eventually, mum decides it’s time to return to the city. When mum and Tina leave the page is illustrated in muted colours, the cottage taking on a very sad persona, echoing Tina’s feelings at leaving her friend. This contrasts their arrival when the scene was vibrant and had a warm energy. But…a tap…tap…at her window wakes Tina to a most wonderous sight – Tom and their beloved dragon.
Emma Chinnery’s storytelling is a delight, enhanced by the most amazing illustrations. It should not be lost on us that, on the outward journey to Tom’s, Tina feels ‘a long way from home’ yet on the return journey, ‘a long way from Tom.’ Home is where we feel loved and safe. Tina felt this with her new friend. Friendships come in all forms – some last and some don’t. This book demonstrates that distance isn’t a factor in a friendship’s survival since it’s about kindness, love and sharing experiences, no matter how far apart you are.
A must-read-aloud, great for sharing. Magic for the soul!
Claire Webb