Autumn 2024
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Picturebook Reviews
Ava and the Acorn
Lu Fraser, illus. Paddy Donnelly, pub. Hodder Children’s Books
What a truly heart-warming story of love and belief in the future.
We follow Ava and her grandfather as they enjoy seeing the seasons change, and all through the focus of an ancient oak tree. Each season brings its own joys and challenges. These last we see in winter when we get to appreciate the fragility of life for both humans and wildlife. At one point I thought Ava’s grandfather would die over the course of the winter, but thankfully he recovered as spring returned to the land. Unfortunately, the old oak tree succumbed to the weather and did not survive. A simple but evocative message about the circle of live is presented. An acorn that Ava and her grandfather had picked the previous autumn gives a glimmer of hope. At the end of the story, we see Ava sitting under the new oak with her own son. A really magical moment that reminds all of us that whilst we may lose something we treasure and love we will one day gain another.
This is a delightful story of the relationship between the two humans and their shared love of the environment in which they live. The illustrations are beautiful and are a perfect echo of the feelings many of us experience during each of the seasons; they have a delicacy that adds to our enjoyment and the colour palettes bring a sense of peace and calm, mixed with an understanding of the realities of nature.
There are so many lessons that we can take from this story. It is both a delightful tale and a first look at the four seasons, mixed with a reflection on how families can share experiences and cope with change. A wonderful story for the early years.
Margaret Pemberton
The Café at the Edge of the Woods
Mikey Please, pub. HarperCollins Children’s Books
What a truly wonderful story. The Café at the Edge of the Woods is about Rene and her dream to open a café on the edge of a magical wood. Like all chefs she has grand ideas of producing tasty and delicious food for her customers. Unfortunately, the inhabitants of the wood have a very different palette when it comes to food. Business is failing.
When she advertises for a waiter, the only applicant is Glumfoot. Rene is not sure whether he is going to be a suitable employee. However, when an ogre arrives looking for food it is Glumfoot who understands what the customer wants and changes the dishes, so they look like the food the ogre would normally eat. Glumfoot’s help encourages Rene to understand that she needs to rethink the way she promotes her food, to rethink her ideals and helps the café become a great success.
There is lots of humour in this book from the outset as we get to know Rene and Glumfoot. At an adult level you could say it is about knowing your market and clientele, but it also reflects on the way that many people (especially children) can be very picky about their food choices. We all know someone who says they don’t like certain foods but love them when they are presented in a different way. The addition of the full colour illustrations really does make the book, adding a lot to the humour we find on every page. This story has much to teach us about not judging people by their looks and being flexible in the way we deal with others. It is a great read for children across the primary age range.
Margaret Pemberton
Don’t Think of Tigers
Alex Latimer, pub. Andersen Press
Well, I think I have to start with - if you like tigers, this is the book for you! And if you do not think you excel at anything, this is also the book for you! Alex Latimer’s Don’t Think of Tigers is a brilliant way of showing that it doesn’t matter if we do not think we can achieve something, because we will improve, the more we practice.
He does this by opening the story engaging with the reader in a conversation about what he should draw on the next page of the book. It can be anything, so long as he does not have to draw a tiger. He will draw anything that is on the reader’s mind. Somehow it is inevitably always a tiger! The banter with the reader continues in a comical way and the tiger pictures become increasingly more ridiculous, until the author succumbs to the understanding that he will only improve on them by drawing even more tigers!
The writing is brilliant, and I can just imagine children laughing at the thought that they have ‘tricked’ the author into drawing another tiger. The illustration for each tiger is unique, using vibrant colours and bold, quirky shapes and each oozes its own character. The first line of the book tells the reader ‘This book in your hands is magic’ and it really is. Not just in the words and beautiful pictures, but also the important message that Alex Latimer is conveying to his readers: do not give up; persevere; you will make lots of mistakes before you get things right and that is okay.
An amazing message for children and adults alike to consider, presented in such an hilarious way. I just love it!
Claire Webb
Free as a Bird
Barroux, pub. Otter-Barry Books
Jonas, the lighthouse keeper, dreams that he is flying as free as a bird, as light as a feather – he is carefree and has freedom in movement. He wants to tell his friend Blue, the whale, all about it but when he finds her he notices a small white bird on her head. Through Blue, the bird tells of his plight: a long tortuous journey fleeing from a war-torn country leaving him so exhausted he fell from the sky, landing on Blue. Jonas and Blue take care of the bird and all the others that follow. When they have recuperated most leave but the first bird stays, settled with his new family.
Described as “a parable-like story” this is a deceptively simple and powerful picturebook emphasising compassion and empathy, especially in regard to such serious and timely issues as refugees, displacement, and migration. It would make a good addition to existing themed collections, especially regarding Remembrance Day, with its wealth of talking points.
The watercolour and ink illustrations are engaging and expressive, especially that of a large black figure-shaped shadow looming over the rubble of what were the picturesque buildings of the previous page, filling the white space of freedom that surrounds the bird. Together with the accompanying words: “Before the black veil of war covered everything in its path. I had no choice. I had to leave”, this double-page epitomises the invasive and ominous threat that war brings. The reader is able to sense the bird’s desperation and fright.
The text is deceptively simple, but this is a sophisticated read, slightly tricky to read aloud as it isn’t always clear which character is speaking. However, due to its sombre and complex themes, this isn’t a typical relaxing bedtime story picturebook. It is one that lends itself well to the classroom though. Barroux has created, with this companion story to the multi-award winning international success I Love You, Blue, an evocative, emotional, empathetic book.
Natalie McChrystal Plimmer
Frog in a Fog
Marielle Bayliss, pub. Graffeg
Frog loves to dance. Lots of different styles of dance in different habitats with different creatures accompanying him. He begins the story by dancing the two-step knock knees on a log with some bhangra performing bumblebees but choking traffic fumes move him along to the fen where he body-locks with Wren and Snipe until waste streams out of a pipe into the surrounding water. He then meets a female frog in a creek where they perform a romantic rhumba but the piles of plastic rubbish that they are standing on capsize. As the two frogs perform the shimmy shake with a grayling in a lake they get caught up in a rampaging fire. As they sit by the shore bewildered by the state of the world, questioning who lights fires and walks away; puts litter on the floor; allows pollution, the grayling reappears and takes them to a lush and pleasant nature reserve. A procession of creatures queue to live in the reserve making it a vibrant and rich place where their future is secured by “a number of speckled and jiggling frogspawn.”
This companion to Frog’s Bog is a lovely story celebrating dance and the environment in an unusual manner. The impact humans have on the world is made very clear – both the damaging destructive force for bad and the caring protective positive effect conservation has. The different waterway habitats are explored a bit more in the glossary alongside a short paragraph explaining each type of pollution ending with Frog’s tips.
This rhyming story is amusing and entertaining although sometimes it feels as if the pattern and rhythm are a bit off or too forced. The lovely watercolour illustrations are full of a sense of movement, atmosphere, texture, and character - especially the scene with Wren vibrating to sounds, and the strutting hippity-hop Snipe. With its serious message, it would be easy for the story to lack hope but it’s a celebratory book that hopefully promotes mindfulness and leaves you feeling cheered. I will especially remember the joy of the animals’ movement – “birds fly, insects creep, fish swim, and deer leap” as they travel to the reserve.
Natalie McChrystal Plimmer
How to Bath a Giraffe
Sam Wilde, illus. Sarah Horne, pub. Oxford Children’s Books
This book is both a story and a fact file about all things relating to giraffes.
If you want to bath a giraffe - well that is not going to be easy, as can be seen from Sarah Horne’s illustration on the front cover, depicting a giraffe, in a shower cap with its legs dangling out of the bath. As you turn the pages, you get a glimpse as to what a wild animal, like a giraffe, needs to thrive, to survive. For example, it eats the best leaves from the tops of the trees – good job it has a long neck! But when it needs a drink, it must move its legs apart to reach the ground water. In this story the human family of the giraffe try their absolute best to look after it, especially, to keep it clean, which proves a terrific challenge. They soon realise that it is not the easiest pet to keep, nor is it fair for the animal.
Not only is this a story book, but it is a secret fact book too, there are plenty of facts about giraffes to learn as you read! For instance, did you know they have blue tongues and that birds pick the dirt from them to keep them clean? Just as well, as it is not easy to bath a giraffe!
The narrative of this book is designed for young readers to easily understand and is complimented by the brightly coloured cartoon-like illustrations on each page. It ends with a double-page spread of giraffe facts, which are really fascinating. However, this book’s most important message is very much a reminder of our responsibilities in looking after animals which it delivers in a fun and exciting way.
Claire Webb
I Am a Courageous Cub
Shoshana Chaim, illus. Lori Joy Smith, pub. Greystone Kids
This is another mindfulness book to complement the first from this pairing - I Am a Mindful Goldfish. Once again Shoshana and Lori Joy have explained how to deal with feelings in a clear, calming but fun way through word and picture. The illustrations are big, bold and brightly coloured, showing readers how two friends can help each other by doing simple exercise style poses, challenging the other to copy and then asking how they feel.
Every new challenge comes across a double page spread allowing for the creation of the familiar playground environment. This acts as the ideal encouragement to readers building confidence in playing and interacting with others. Having worked with children who have difficulties with confidence and their feelings, I know this book would work well with them as it demonstrates how actions can help with making you feel strong and brave. By thinking you can be something different with each suggested pose, such as an animal, tree or a ball, author and illustrator are allowing the children to focus and feel powerful within.
Although this book is aimed at younger children it is perfect for children to look at independently as the pictures tell a story and the words are limited. It would also work for an older group, or a child, individually with an adult, encouraging discussion about other feelings. Plus, the poses can be copied or new ones invented by the children. The author has added a lovely note. She explains to the reader how feelings can stop us from doing things and how they can learn to be brave just as adults can - by doing different poses and imagining you are something else.
Helen Finch
Let Me Do It!
Simon Philip, illus. Ella Okstad, pub. Oxford Children’s Books
Teddy wants to be grown up. In this hilarious story Simon Philip shows how a young child, who is no longer a BABY, becomes more confident by doing things for himself – even if there are some disasters along the way. His family are always fussing over him and still help him to do things but Teddy has other ideas. However, Ella Okstad’s illustrations reveal these practical tasks are not always as straightforward as his family wish, leaving them despairing. Whether it is making his own breakfast or getting ready by brushing his hair, Teddy attempts every one of these activities with enthusiasm. With his growing confidence Teddy decides to take on more difficult challenges which do not always go to plan.
Written in the first person with easily understood language, Teddy guides us through this highly entertaining book aimed at children aged 2+. The amusing illustrations highlight the concerns of parents whose little one is navigating the world of growing up and becoming independent. Let Me Do It! would be great to share with any child preparing to start school or any situation where basic independent routines are required. It is ideal for children who are certain they are now BIG and no longer a BABY!
Reading this book brought back vivid memories of navigating the world of growing up with my own children. However, even when they reach adulthood there is still an element of parental intervention that is sometimes requested. Maybe I will get them to read it as well!
Helen Finch
Not Fair, Bear!
Lorna Scobie, pub. Scholastic Children’s Books
In this picture book, Bear and Squirrel (a red one) are best friends, but playing together proves problematic. They decide to climb a tree, but Bear’s weight bends the slender branch that Squirrel is on: Bear falls off, and Squirrel is propelled into the air. “Not fair, Bear!” is the refrain which will become familiar.
Bear’s fishing method is much too splashy for Squirrel, and Squirrel is at a disadvantage in everything else that Bear does that day. He goes to sleep, totally fed-up. But for Bear night-time is playtime and he blows a raspberry at Squirrel, so a very cross Squirrel declares that tomorrow will be different. Squirrel dictates what they do the next day, but it’s Bear who is now at a disadvantage, especially when they play hide and seek. “It’s not fair!” said Bear. “I’m no good at your games.”
They each try to play in their own way, but that doesn’t work either and they almost decide not to play together anymore. But they are best friends so they say sorry to each other and agree to take turns playing each other’s games instead. First they play ‘catch’ with nuts, as Squirrel chooses, then they play with honey to please Bear. Afterwards eating nuts with honey keeps them both happy but… Then we hear ‘Not fair!’ from the bees!
Illustrated picturebooks are always a joy and when an author illustrates their own that joy can be heightened as they are able to produce precisely the book they had in mind. Lorna Scobie’s illustrations are full of character and fun and her story is ideal for sharing. Encouraging the audience to join in with the big words in the speech bubbles will only add to the enjoyment and remind them how important it is to share.
Diana Barnes
On the Small Hill Where the Girls Take Off Their Shoes
Jairo Buitrago, trans. Elisa Amado, illus. Linda Wolfsgruber, pub. Greystone Kids
This picture book for older readers asks us to imagine all that might have happened on the small hill of the title across the centuries. A dinosaur might have seen a shooting star. A castle might have been built, and later have fallen down, leaving a few stones. An oak tree might have grown and sheltered a family escaping from war. The tree has been chopped down and houses have now been built below the hill. All the while people make babies.
Another tree is planted and grows. It is this tree that shelters the three girls, whose clothing suggests that they have each come from different periods of history. We see them each taking off their shoes. When the red moon rises, they put their shoes back on and go down to the expanding town below. They are going home. It is time. A small lizard (definitely not to scale with the girls, and almost as big as the dinosaur!) sitting on a stone, sees the first evening star. The hill is rather like a child’s drawing, an oval with very steep slopes, a lovely idea and appealing to young readers.
Both Jairo Buitrago and Linda Wolsgruber have published many award-winning books which can be found all around the world. This collaboration is listed by the publisher as aged 4- 9, but your reviewer would put it at the higher end of that age group in case the reference to making babies with its illustration of couples shown embracing at two separate windows needs explanation! Curriculum connections on history and communities are provided, and this quietly reflective book which encourages us to explore the incredible things that happened in our world before we were here, is useful in the classroom setting as well as at home and in libraries.
Diana Barnes
Pandora and the Story Forge
Gaynor Andrews, illus. Marie-Alice Harel, pub. Rocket Bird Books
Pandora is an adorer of beautiful words and a hoarder of wonderful sounds. She collects the finest words in her net and keeps them safe in her box before forging them with fire to create the most incredible stories.
This creative tale holds story creation at its heart and celebrates how intricately stories are put together before being shared and enjoyed by all. Pandora collects words and mixes them together to forge new stories for all to enjoy. Once those stories are shared, the magic unfurls and create new beginnings, more creativity and further opportunities for children to start forging their very own stories, bringing unlimited joy and endless prospects. Pandora’s work results in a whole new generation of story-tellers – a perfect, inspiring message not only to all readers, but to budding authors as well.
Gaynor Andrews weaves this story together in real-time with the reader through Pandora, the forger of stories. The classical font gives a traditional feel, almost as if this is the first story ever told and the basis of all other tales. Marie-Alices Andrews’ illustrations are great; there is an interesting blend of traditional fairy-tale style with patterns and key words integrated into the illustrations in banners, and vibrant illustrations that have contrasting colours making key details stand out. The combination of text and illustrations definitely give a Middle-Ages feel, taking the reader back to simpler times!
This tale has adventure mixed in with classical story-telling – a fun mix which indeed forges a great book.
Tom Joy
The Tantrum
Louie Stowell, illus. Isobel Lundie, pub. Little Tiger
A picturebook with a map to help readers orient themselves into the world that they are about to experience. This is important for when you discover that a certain bear named Bill lives in a treehouse in a clearing in the woods I am sure that you, like me, want to know more. Where are the woods, where in the woods is the clearing and what is the tree like which holds this bear’s house? It must be a strong one surely. Then of course come the questions, who is Bill the bear, can you take the tour of his house and meet his friends and what is this about their theatre, The Glade.
Do I sound like anyone you know when you are reading a new, or even a much-loved story? Always questions and if those questions don’t have satisfactory answers, if the answers don’t come fast enough are there consequences which can involve raised voices and tears? Tantrums don’t often, thankfully, happen as a result of books but they do feature in them. Especially in picturebooks where they might be trying to help their reader understand why they aren’t always helpful. The story of Bill the bear and his friends does involve a tantrum, a very big one. The clue is in the title, The Tantrum (A Tempestuous Tale!). Adults, I hope you see the nod here to a somewhat famous play… Now I know you are wondering why Bill the bear is having a tantrum… Well, Bill is having one of those days – you know the ones, which start with falling out of bed or some other equally annoying happening and lead to a day of nothing going as it should. This is Bill’s bad day and just as he is getting himself under control … he falls headfirst off the stage …
Tantrums are not unfamiliar territory for anyone who has young children in their lives, this charming and very funny story is perfect for shared reading. Louie Stowell portrays tantrums, patience and understanding perfectly whilst Isobel Lundie’s illustrations leap off the page with their vibrancy but not quite as forcefully as falling bears!
Louise Ellis-Barrett
