#ReviewMonday with @lockwoodwriter : Night Shift written and illustrated by Debi Gliori

Summary

A groundbreaking picture book on depression with stunning illustrations. 

With stunning black and white illustration and deceptively simple text, author and illustrator Debi Gliori examines how depression affects one's whole outlook upon life, and shows that there can be an escape - it may not be easy to find, but it is there. Drawn from Debi's own experiences and with a moving testimony at the end of the book explaining how depression has affected her and how she continues to cope, Debi hopes that by sharing her own experience she can help others who suffer from depression, and to find that subtle shift that will show the way out.

Published by Hot Key books in January 2017 

32 pages in hardback - illustrated throughout 

***** 

I don’t usually do personal in reviews. I believe reviewing is about suiting the right book with the right reader - and therefore it’s not about me. But I am going to make an exception. 

This beautiful book is about fighting depression - which is something both Debi and I suffer from. Her artwork has expressed sensations that words often fail to convey. Her prose simply yet thoughtfully works with the moving images to deepen the experience. It works whether you know the ‘Black Dog’ or not. 

Despite the subject matter, it is fundamentally a hopeful book that I will treasure. Please get hold of a copy for anyone you know who has to deal with depression themselves or in their family. Brilliant for discussion with all ages. It would make a great companion piece with Horatio Clare’s Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot. 

Highly recommended for individuals, families and schools. 

(I do hope Hot Key bring it out as a Big Book for PSHE.)

---

K. M. Lockwood lives by the sea in Sussex - see the pics on Instagram. She fills jars with sea-glass, writes on a very old desk and reads way past her bedtime. Her tiny bed and breakfast is stuffed full of books - and even the breakfasts are named after writers. You'd be welcome to chat stories with @lockwoodwriter on Twitter

Raven Child and the Snow Witch by Linda Sunderland and Daniel Egneus

If you walked for one hundred nights and one hundred days across the frozen Lonesome Lakes, over the Shimmery Mountains…

…and through the Forest of a Thousand Eyes…

you would come at last to the Snow Garden. Here, safe from the dangers of the icy wilderness, lived little Anya with her mother and father.

Summary From Templar

A haunting, lyrical fairytale, beautifully illustrated by Daniel Egneus.

Anya lives with her mother and father in the shadow of the icy glacier where the Snow Witch reigns. Every spring, Anya's mother journeys to the glacier to pick the blue gentian flowers that grow there. But this time, she does not return. She has been captured by the Snow Witch and imprisoned in the ice. Anya and her father set off with the ravens to rescue her. It's a treacherous journey, and there is no knowing what they will find… Will the strength of Anya's love conquer all?

Raven Child and the Snow Witch is a poignant, powerful story with dramatic and striking artwork.

*****

Review by Liss Norton

Raven Child and the Snow Witch is a picture book for older children - a rare and very welcome thing! I've often wondered why children are denied large, coloured pictures once they reach a certain age, so hooray for Templar for flying in the face of convention!

This slightly scary story is told in poetic, descriptive and mystical language. It's set in the far distant, fairytale world of the Snow Garden and, like all fairytales, it has darkness at its heart. Of course we know that Anya will triumph over the Snow Witch, but that doesn't stop us feeling afraid for her when she sets out to rescue her mother. 

Ravens and wolves add to the strangeness and menace of the story, as if the Snow Witch wasn't threat enough…

Daniel Egneus's abstract illustrations are perfectly matched to the text and add another element of darkness to the story with their whirling snow storms, spiky buildings and shadowy trees. My only criticism relates to the book's front cover. It glitters so invitingly that I was taken aback by the story inside because there's no hint that it will be scary. The back cover's a different matter though, with a creepy white figure who I guess is the Snow Witch herself. 

This is a memorable book and one that deserves to be widely read.

Now! by Tracy Corderoy and Tim Warnes

Archie found waiting a little bit hard.

He wanted to have all the fun NOW!

Summary From Little Tiger Press

Calling all parents with impatient toddlers who want everything…NOW! Award-winning duo Tracey Corderoy and Tim Warnes are back with another dose of Archie trouble.

Archie is finding waiting a little bit hard. There are SO many fun things to do. The problem is, he just can't wait! Archie wants to do everything…NOW!

This charming picture book, starring the adorably mischievous little rhino Archie, is a must for fans of NO!, WHY? and MORE! With chuckle-worthy writing from Tracey Corderoy and fun illustrations from Tim Warnes, NOW! is the perfect book to open up early discussions of patience with your unruly little ones.

****

Review by Liss Norton

This picture book is perfect for impatient toddlers and their frazzled parents. Who could help but laugh at the things Archie, a little rhino, gets up to when he's too impatient to wait? And who wouldn't feel pangs of sympathy for his long-suffering parents?

The Archie series covers different aspects of toddler behaviour and all the books give a gentle lesson. Here, Archie discovers that doing some things straightaway has unfortunate consequences. But after waiting impatiently to go on holiday, suddenly it's Archie who holds up proceedings as his parents start the hunt for his missing tiger toy.

The book has a short and simple text, but there's plenty to talk about in the pictures. There's plenty to smile about, too, especially for families trying to survive those tricky toddler years!

Secret Serendipity Seven with Elizabeth Dale

Today I'm pleased to welcome children's author and SCBWI pal, Elizabeth Dale, onto the blog, to share seven secrets with us. Yesterday on the blog, her latest picture book, Nothing Can Frighten A Bear was reviewed by Liss Norton. 

We all love secrets, don’t we? Some we don’t mind sharing, some we’re a bit tentative about. Should I tell you my 7th one? Read it and see!

1. I originally started writing children’s books because they are short. Honestly! My first ever writing attempt was a long adult novel. It was typed on a portable typewriter with keys that stuck if I typed too fast, edits could mean re-typing whole pages or chapters - and no-one wanted to publish it. After all those endless late nights hammering away on my ancient machine, I vowed that never again would I spend so long on something that might never be published. So I wrote magazine stories, which were wonderfully short. And then when my daughters were born, and I was reminded how wonderful children’s books are, I started writing them, too. Firstly because they were short, but then because I fell in love with them. Writing for children is the most fun of all. Indeed, my daughters were so impressed by what a blissful life I lead - sitting with my feet up, drinking coffee, gazing out the window - sorry, writing! - that two of them, Katie Dale (Little White Lies, Mumnesia, Fairy Tale Twists etc) and Jenny Jinks (A Treasury of Bedtime Stories) are children’s authors, too.

2. My latest picture book Nothing Can Frighten a Bear was inspired by a trip to Canada where I went for walks in the woods looking for bears. But I am really, really pleased to say we never found one! I would have been scared silly. My daughter thought she saw one and our screams of terror were deafening (even though it turned out to be only a squirrel!). So whilst it’s true that Nothing Can Frighten a Bear, there is a lot that can terrify this human!

3. I’m useless at baking cakes. My picture book The Carrot Cake Catastrophe is about a girl rabbit and her granddad making a birthday cake for her mummy that goes disastrously wrong. It was written from experience. I shall never forget the day I was baking with my daughters and egg whites were mistaken for peach juice! The Carrot Cake Catastrophe has a recipe in the back for a yummy carrot cake, which my editor provided and tested out. Not me. I didn’t want my own carrot cake catastrophe!

4. I often get car sick. My picture book Off to Market - about a trip on an African minibus to a market, was based on a real journey I took in Uganda. There was everything on that minibus: goats, rugs, hens, and lots of people. It was hot, jam-packed and full of very interesting smells. Fortunately, despite these and the bends and very bumpy roads, I didn’t feel sick. Which is just as well as I’d never have been able to push my way off that crowded bus in time!

5. I’m allergic to dogs, cats, horses, and anything furry. The first picture book I ever had published, Scrumpy, is about a dog that died and is based on a dog of that name we all fell in love with one holiday. I wrote it because my daughter’s hamster died and I saw the devastating effect that had on her, and I wanted to write a positive story about moving on after the death of a pet. But I’ve never had a dog. My children would have loved one, but they couldn’t because of my allergies. I have had courses of de-sensitising injections but they didn’t work, so the only dogs in my house are in books.

6. Not many people know that I am writing a musical - working title Always a Rainbow with my daughter, Katie, and the lovely Helen Bonney who is a musical genius. It is based on the life of Janusz Korczak who ran an orphanage for Jewish children in Poland in the Second World War, and refused to leave them no matter what. It’s funny, sad, heart-rending but hopefully uplifting too - and filled with beautiful songs.

7. I do not have an agent. I have had over forty books accepted, due to dogged persistence, learning from feedback and never giving up over the years. Which leads to an extra 8th secret. I am the Rejection Queen. I am used to rejection, I expect rejection, I can take it. It’s hard sometimes, especially when I’m on the verge of acceptance and it falls through, but I have learned that every rejection is an opportunity - to send that text out to someone else. So for all fellow writers reading this, I would say - Never Give Up! Embrace rejection, it comes to us all (well most of us!) and when an acceptance finally happens, past rejections make it even sweeter.

There… should I have revealed that I get rejected a lot? Hardly makes me look like a mega-successful author, does it? But all you writers or would-be writers out there suffering or fearing rejection need to know -you are not alone! It’s healthy. It’s normal. It’s part of being a writer. But despite them all, being a writer, especially for children, is still the best job in the world!

Nothing Can Frighten A Bear is published by Nosy Crow. To read a review, click here. 

Summary

Snuggled up in bed one moonlight night, Baby Bear is sure he hears a monster outside. Daddy Bear insists there’s nothing scary in the forest and, anyway, nothing can frighten a bear. But as the family of bears set out to make sure, and all vanish one by one, it looks like Daddy Bear might not be as brave as he seems… 

This bedtime story is full of comic surprises and gentle reassurance. After all, the things that go bump in the night are never as scary as you might think!

***

If you want to know more about Elizabeth Dale and her books, please visit her website - http://elizabethdaleuk.blogspot.co.uk/

Or contact her on [email protected] 

Nothing Can Frighten a Bear by Elizabeth Dale and Paula Metcalf

Deep, deep in the woods, with the moon shining bright, 

Some bears snuggled up in their beds for the night. 

There was Mummy Bear, Daddy Bear… 

Grace and then Ben… 

And Baby Bear, too, who lay dreaming, but then… 

As Baby Bear wriggled and stretched out a paw, 

He suddenly woke when he heard a loud… 

roar! 

Summary From Nosy Crow 

This September we’re publishing a wonderful picture book by a brand new author-illustrator pairing: Nothing Can Frighten a Bear, written by Elizabeth Dale and illustrated by Paula Metcalf. This is an absolutely FANTASTIC book: beautifully illustrated, with an incredible rhyming text, and a gentle, reassuring message that’s perfect for young children. 

Snuggled up in bed one moonlight night, Baby Bear is sure he hears a monster outside. Daddy Bear insists there’s nothing scary in the forest and, anyway, nothing can frighten a bear. But as the family of bears set out to make sure, and all vanish one by one, it looks like Daddy Bear might not be as brave as he seems… 

This bedtime story is full of comic surprises and gentle reassurance. After all, the things that go bump in the night are never as scary as you might think! 

****

Review by Liss Norton 

Nothing Can Frighten a Bear is going straight on to my 'Best Books of the Year' list. It's a hilarious story about a bear family going out in the night to investigate a scary roar. Daddy Bear's certain it can't be a monster because monsters don't exist but he starts to have doubts as his family begin to disappear. Of course, there's a happy ending, but I'm not giving it away! 

Elizabeth Dale's rhyming text is perfect - good rhythm and a terrific use of language - and sometimes the last word of each rhyming couplet appears on the next page so the reader has a chance to guess what it is before turning over. I read the book to Theo, aged six, and he loved guessing. (He was right every time.) He and I giggled all the way through the book; it's clearly going to become a favourite - for both of us! 

Paula Metcalf's beautiful illustrations match the text brilliantly. There's lots of detail to talk about in the pictures, but Theo and I didn't stop to chat, we kept reading to the end because we were so eager to find out what would happen. Later he said that his favourite page was the one where the 'monster' appeared because he knew what it was, but silly Daddy Bear didn't. 

I urge you not to miss this book because it's totally fab! And if anyone from Nosy Crow is reading this review, please let's have more from Elizabeth Dale and Paula Metcalf. What a duo!

The Fox and the Wild By Clive McFarland

This is Fred.

He was born in the middle of a big city.

Fred finds life in the city hard. It's smoky. It's noisy, and it's very, very fast.

Published by Templar in June 2016

Pages - 40 

Summary From Templar Publishing

Fred is a city fox. The city is a scary place for a fox like Fred. It's noisy, it's smoky and it's often dangerous.

One day Fred sees a flock of birds flying away over the city roofs. "Where do they go?" he wonders. And so he sets off to find the wild. All the other city animals say that there is no such place, but Fred know better or does he?

The Fox and the Wild is a new picture book from Clive McFarland, writer and illustrator of A Bed for Bear (HarperCollins). Illustrated in bold, collage-based graphic style, this is an animal adventure with an environmental message.

****

Review by Liss Norton

This picture book tells the simple story of Fred, an urban fox, who wants to find his way to the countryside. He searches and searches and finally finds himself in a wonderful place of greenery, soft ground and fresh air. Hooray for Fred! Not only that, but there's a brand new foxy friend waiting for him…

The book is illustrated in a bold, modern style and there are lots of things to talk about in the pictures, including the ways in which Fred looks different from his cousins and his new friend. The language is simple, making it perfect for young children. 

For those about to embark on a move from town to countryside, this book is an absolute winner as it paints the city as bad and the 'wild' as good. If you're planning a move in the opposite direction though, I'd advise you to give this book a miss! 

Augustus and His Smile by Catherine Rayner

Augustus the tiger was sad.

He had lost his smile.

So he did a HUGE tigery stretch and set off to find it.

Summary From Little Tiger Press

Augustus the tiger is sad. He has lost his smile. So he does a HUGE tiger stretch and sets off to find it…

As he climbs mountain crests patterned with frost and swims to the bottom of inky blue oceans, Augustus soon realises that his smile would be there whenever he is happy.

He just needs to open his eyes to the beauty of the natural world around him.

Rediscover the magic of Catherine Rayner's illustrations with this stunning 10th anniversary edition of Augustus and His Smile.

Now in a gift edition with a gold foil jacket, this remarkable book approaches sadness with a lightness of touch, celebrating the beauty of the world and the simple happiness it brings us when we open our eyes to it. Augustus and His Smile is a stunning example of how art can be used to start conversations about coping with our emotions from a young age. Catherine's debut picture book was nominated for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Award and won the 2006 Booktrust Early Years Award.

*****

Review by Liss Norton

This picture book tells a simple story about a tiger searching for his lost smile. It uses poetic language and almost abstract illustrations that work together beautifully to make a memorable, prize-winning book for young children on the theme of finding happiness in the natural world.

The book was originally published in 2006 and this special anniversary edition is a hardback with a lovely gold jacket. For every copy sold, a donation will be made to the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation's Tiger Time campaign, which aims to protect wild tigers.

The book would be a good starting point for discussing emotions, particularly sadness, with young children. If you look carefully, you'll see Augustus's mouth beginning to curl up at the corners as he swims under the sea, prances through a desert and by the time it starts to rain… Well, read it yourself and find out what happens. I'm sure you'll find yourself smiling, too.

Picture Book Review: The Ugly Duckling By Mara Alperin and Sue Eastland

It was a sunny spring morning in the farmyard. Mother Duck sat proudly on her nest.

"Come quickly!" she called to the other animals. "My eggs are beginning to hatch!" 

Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!

Out tumbled four perfect little ducklings. They were soft and fluffy and yellow.

"Aren't they just the sweetest ducklings ever!" oinked the pig.

Summary From Little Tiger Press

When Mother Duck's eggs hatch, one little duckling is wibbly and wobbly… and very ugly! And no matter how hard he tries to fit in, the other animals just laugh at him. Will the ugly duckling ever find a friend?

My First Fairy Tales are a magical introduction to the well-loved stories that are a key part of every childhood. With fresh and fun illustrations, these simple re-tellings of classic fairy tales make a perfect read for young and old alike!

Review by Liss Norton

This is a retelling of the classic Ugly Duckling story and is one of a series of 'My First Fairy Tales' books. It's nicely written and the story has been expanded imaginatively to make it feel more rounded. There's even an explanation for why the ugly duckling finds himself alone in the winter. 

The illustrations are colourful and there are lots of little added details which give plenty to talk about with young children. The story itself gives an opportunity to talk about being kind to others and about not judging people on their appearances, too, which are important lessons for children to learn. So it's a good story with bright illustrations and a strong moral. What's not to like?!

PB Review: Little Why By Jonny Lambert

At the back and in-between the Elders, Little Why walked in line…

…Well almost!

"Keep in line!"

Back in line, Little Why spied Wildebeest.

"Wow!" Little Why gasped. "I need some spiny-spiky special horns like those!"

Published by Tiger Tales in March 2016

Summary From Little Tiger Press

Little Why just CAN'T stay in line. There is so much to see - like Giraffe's long-lofty leggy legs and Wildebeest's spiny-spiky horns. And THEN he spots Crocodile's snippy-snappy teeth…

Look out, Little Why!

****

Review by Liss Norton

Little Why is a lovely book, with intriguing illustrations, exciting vocabulary and a story that's all about being perfect just as you are. Little Why wants to look like the animals he meets on a journey with his elephant herd and nobody will tell him why he can't have horns, long legs or fuzzy fur. He's supposed to stay in line, but everything is so interesting he wanders off and puts himself in danger. It all ends happily, of course, and Little Why finally discovers that he doesn't need to change.

The illustrations are unusual and rather spare, with no backgrounds, but they are charming nonetheless. The adult elephants are so big, we never get to see all of them, just a trunk or four legs, a tail and half a body. The giraffes don't fit on the page either because their legs are so long. But we see all of Little Why and his body language makes it clear how he's feeling - especially when he's sulking!

There's plenty to talk about in this book, and it gives a powerful message about body image in a very few, well-chosen words. Don't miss it!

PB Review: The Very Grumpy Day By Stella J Jones and Alison Edgson

"What a perfect day!" smiled Mouse, looking out at the sunshine.

And goodness, wasn't he right! The birds trilled sweetly and the bees buzzed merrily.

"I'll take one of those cupcakes round to Bear," Mouse thought. "He loves a sweet treat."

Published by Little Tiger in March 2016

Summary From Little Tiger Press

There's a big bad mood spreading through the wood! It starts with Bear, who upsets Mole, who snaps at Hedgehog, who's prickly with Fox. Soon Bear's bad mood has made everyone grumpy! All except for Mouse, whose little act of kindness might be just the thing to make everyone happy again…

The Very Grumpy Day is a warm, funny picture book about friendship and the value of being kind and thoughtful towards others. With humorous illustrations from best-selling illustrator Alison Edgson, this enchanting picture book shows little ones just how much a bad mood can affect others, and how one kindness will always lead to another.

****

Review by Liss Norton

Bear is in a mood and, pretty soon, so is just about everyone else who lives in the wood. But Mouse's act of friendship saves the day - and he doesn't even know it!

This is a story with a strong moral that's perfect for young children - especially young children who find it hard to say sorry. Bear's grumpiness makes him thoughtless and leads to consequences that affect his friends' moods. He goes on being grumpy until the cake Mouse has brought him cheers him up and suddenly he understands the need to apologize to Mole. His apology sparks a whole chain of animal apologies until the very grumpy day turns into a perfect one.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Alison Edgson, whose colourful pictures are always a delight. I especially love the way her animals' faces show so much emotion. 

This is a fun story that teaches the value of apologising when you're in the wrong. I'd say it's a good addition to most children's book shelves.  

I Love You More and More By Nicky Benson and Jonny Lambert

You are my everything,

I love you high and low.

I love you more than flowers

Love to blossom, bloom and grow.

Summary From Little Tiger Press

As a bear leads his cub on a breath-taking journey through sparkling starlit nights, past misty blue mountains and gushing waterfalls, he shows him just how special and loved he is. I Love You More and More is an enchanting celebration of the unconditional love and special relationship between a parent and child.

With a lyrical rhyming text, stunning illustrations by Jonny Lambert and beautiful silver foil title and trees on the front cover, this is a sumptuous tall-format picture book which would make the perfect gift for the little one in your life this Valentine's Day.

****

Review by Liss Norton

This is a book where the illustrations do the talking. The text is a sweet, simple rhyme spoken by an adult bear to his/her cub but, to be honest, without the pictures it wouldn't be particularly special. Jonny Lambert's lovely illustrations bring the book beautifully to life. 

On every spread, the two bears are travelling together through a natural landscape created with a fairly limited colour palette. They see flowers, trees, other animals, mountains, a waterfall and lots more besides. There's no real story, just a constant affirmation of love for the cub, but there's plenty to talk about in the pictures which I always think is the mark of a good picture book. This is a book you'll come back to again and again and it's perfect for bedtime - reading it made me feel wonderfully relaxed and peaceful. Don't miss it!

Ballet Dreams by Cerrie Burnell, illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson

Once there was a girl who dreamed of dancing, of skipping over rooftops and pirouetting round the moon.

She could twirl on her toes as lightly as snow and dart through the air like a swallow. 

So her Granddad called her...

...Little Bird.

Published by Scholastic in February 2016

Summary

Once there was a little girl who dreamed of dancing. Of skipping over rooftops and pirouetting round the moon. She could twirl on her toes as lightly as snow, and dart through the air like a swallow, so her Granddad called her Little Bird. One day Little Bird sees the ballet practice for Swan Lake, and decides that all she wants is to become a ballerina. When she gets her very first pair of silken ballet shoes from Grandpa, her face lights up like a star. 

*****

Another beautifully written and stunningly illustrated picture book to add to your collection, from a fabulous duo. Every child will delight in this story as they follow Little Bird, through her first day at school alongside her desire to be a ballerina. 

There is always a strong belief behind Burnell's stories and this one is no exception. It instils in each child that if you work hard enough, your dreams will come true. All that you learn in life is there to help you reach your potential. Burnell shows how going to school will help you achieve your dreams. 

I love that the author always embraces diversity so naturally in her picture books.  Burnell also shows the financial struggles a lot of parents go through.

Cerrie Burnell and Laura Ellen Anderson really make a great team. 

No More Cuddles! By Jane Chapman

Barry lived by himself deep in the forest.

He liked strolling about on his own, listening to the birds and tasting juicy berries.

But Barry was never on his own for long…

Summary From Little Tiger Press

Everyone loves a hug… but Barry's just COVERED in cuddles! He lives all by himself deep in the forest but this furry chap is never on his own for long. "Come here, Snuggle-wuggles!" call the animals, diving in for a cuddle! There are simply too many hugs to handle. How can Barry get them to stop? From the best-selling author and illustrator, Jane Chapman, comes a very funny picture book about a lovable monster who has just had enough of HUGS!

*****

Review by Liss Norton

I absolutely love this book. It's laugh-out-loud funny and the text and colourful illustrations work so brilliantly together that there's plenty to talk about on every page. Jane Chapman's sense of humour shines through; even the monster's name is wonderfully, gigglingly daft! It's Barry, in case you were wondering. 

Poor Barry is so soft and cuddly that all the animals in the wood rush to hug him the moment he appears. All he wants is a bit of time to himself but his plans come to nothing. Of course it all turns out well in the end, but I wouldn't dream of giving anything away because this is a must-read book. I have nothing but praise for the contents of the book but, sadly, the cover doesn't quite match up. It's mostly white and brown and it looks rather dull. I'm afraid it might easily be passed over by children and parents looking for a book to share. Don't be one of those who let it slip by! It's way too much fun to miss…!

Pirates in Pyjamas By Caroline Crowe and Tom Knight

Do pirates wear pyjamas when it's time to say goodnight?

Do they have a skull and crossbones, are they stripy, black and white?

No! when pirates choose pyjamas they're not always what you'd think,

Some are purple, some are orange, some are yellow, green and pink!

Summary From Little Tiger Press

Have you ever wondered whether pirates wear pyjamas when it's time to say goodnight? Leap aboard the Leaky Parrot to find out! Captain Grotbeard and his crew love nothing better than bubble baths, jim-jams and pillow fights! So if you want to be a pirate you don't need a patch or sword - just grab your best pyjamas and a bed to climb aboard.

********

Review by Liss Norton

Who would have guessed that pirates do much the same as the rest of us when it's time for bed? They have a bath, put on their pyjamas, have pillow fights, drink their milk, then snuggle down under the covers. 

The book is written in rhyme and is beautifully illustrated with colourful, cartoon-type pirates throughout. (Those of us of a certain age might spot the similarity between one of the pirates and a member of Captain Pugwash's crew.) The pirates' pyjamas are certainly a talking point - especially the pink, fluffy onesie - and there are lots of humorous, little touches to spot as you go on through the book. See if you can spot what Sneaky Pete's up to when the pirates are drinking their milk. Dominic, aged five, who I read the book to, was fascinated by the things sticking out of Captain Grotbeard's beard. He also loved the rat, but was disappointed that it didn't appear on every page. I have to admit that I was disappointed by that, too. We searched for it in every picture in the hope that it was hiding somewhere and I was left feeling that the illustrator had missed a trick here. That disappointment aside, though, I'd definitely recommend this book for pirate-lovers, especially those who don't like going to bed!

More! by Tracey Corderoy and Tim Warnes

Archie was a very BUSY rhino.

His space-station model was bigger than Mum. And bigger than Dad. 

But still NOT big ENOUGH!

Summary From Little Tiger Press

Archie is back and has discovered a new word. "More!". MORE books at bedtime! MORE ice cream! MORE bubbles at bath time! But sometimes 'more' is just too much… Family life will never be the same again. The sequel to No! (2013) and Why? (2014), this is a must have for all families with strong-willed toddlers who just want MORE!

*******

Review by Liss Norton

This is the third picture book in the Archie series and it's just as much fun as the other two. This time Archie, the little rhino, wants more of just about everything: cakes, bubbles, stories, toys, ketchup… The list goes on!

But when he's invited to a fancy dress party, suddenly having more doesn't seem so much fun after all. Archie learns a valuable lesson but he bounces back in his wonderfully irrepressible way. 

This is a lovely book with bright and funny illustrations, a great story and a gentle moral. Don't miss it!

I Want My Daddy! By Tracy Corderoy and Alison Edgson

Arthur was having a bad day. His castle kept tumbling down.

"Too wibbly," Arthur frowned. "Too wobbly!"

He picked up Huffity and stomped away. "I want my daddy!" he grumbled.

Summary From Little Tiger Press

Published in May 2015

Some days we just need our daddies. And Arthur REALLY needs his daddy today. His play castle is all wrong, he bumps his leg chasing baddies out of his kingdom and there's a monster in his moat! Nothing is going right for this little knight. There's only one thing for it: "I want my Daddy," he cries. 

Fans of Tracey Corderoy's I Want My Mummy! will adore this sweet tale of Arthur and his special dad. With warm and reassuring illustrations and a playful text, this picture book will cheer up any little knight having a bad day. The perfect gift for Father's Day - or any day when only Daddy will do.

*******

Review by Liss Norton

This is another cute picture book from Little Tiger Press. Arthur, a young mouse, wants to play knights but he needs help to fix his wobbly cardboard castle. Daddy comes to the rescue, of course, and he helps when Arthur hurts his leg, too. Then they have lots of fun together at the park, playing on Arthur's favourite castle and fishing in the 'moat'. Finally, Daddy gets a well-deserved reward at the end of a fun-packed day.

Alison Edgson's illustrations are detailed and colourful and, together with the fairly simple and straightforward text, they make Arthur's 'let's pretend' play easy to understand for children of about two and over. It's definitely a book that special dads will want to share with their children.

Mermaid by Cerrie Burnell

Once there was a boy called Luka who lived by the shore of a deep silvery sea. Luka longed to splash in the surf and dive beneath the cool water, but he couldn't swim.

Published in April 2015 by Scholastic Picture Books

Pages -32

Summary

Sylvia is an amazing swimmer. She is also strong, and very determined. But only Luka knows that she is also a mermaid! As the two become friends, they set off on a magical journey they will never forget.

****

This is the second picture book by CBeebies presenter, Cerrie Burnell, and it is just as beautiful as her first. It is so rare to see such diverse characters in picture books and this one is brimming with them. Sylvia unable to walk, but the author has seen past Sylvia's disability to make her one of the most powerful, ambitious and inspirational characters. Sylvia doesn't let her disability stop her reaching for her dreams. She can see past it, causing everyone around her to do the same. In this book, she is the teacher. She teaches Luka how to swim, really showing her disability in a positive light. 

There is a magical element to the story, when Luka dreams of Sylivia actually being a mermaid, which would be believable to anyone with an ounce of belief in magic. Mermaids would definitely need to use a wheel chair on land, because their legs just wouldn't be strong enough. There is such a magical quality to Cerrie's writing, which is only magnified by Laura Ellen Anderson's stunning illustrations. Author and illustrator make a perfect partnership, bringing back a magical appeal to picture books, often so dominated by bodily functions of late. 

This is a beautiful book that should be shared in every reception class. Every child should have the opportunity to see that disability doesn't have to be seen as a negative. So many can and do overcome their disability to still fulfil their dreams.

Mummy's Little Sunflowers By Angela McAllister and Alison Edgson

 

"I'm a sunflower!" cried Scurry, racing out of nursery. "And look, Scamp, I've got a seed, so we can grow a sunflower just for Mummy!"

"Funflower!" giggled his little brother, skipping off.

"Slow down, Scamp," sighed Mummy. "You're always in such a hurry!"

Summary From Little Tiger Press

This latest picture book from the fantastic author and illustrator team, Angela McAllister and Alison Edgson, is a touching, gently humorous story exploring the unique relationship between siblings. The perfect read for young children with brothers or sisters. Scurry loves sunflowers. He’s got one special seed that he’s going to grow just for his mummy. But his little brother, Scamp, loves sunflowers seeds, and when he eats his brother’s special seed, he’s in real trouble.

****

Review by Liss Norton

When Scurry's sunflower seed is eaten by his little brother, Scamp, the two young mice embark on a gentle adventure to find another one so they can grow a sunflower for Mummy. Scurry is a lovely older brother who has lots of patience with Scamp. The story shows them doing things together in a brotherly way - a good book to read in homes where sibling rivalry is a problem, perhaps? 

This book is beautifully illustrated by Alison Edgson, with plenty to look at and talk about on every page. The colours are bright and the facial expressions of the mouse family are a joy. My only criticism is that I would have liked a final page showing the stages of growth of Mummy's sunflower and ending with Scurry and Scamp standing proudly beside it when it's in flower. Still, perhaps the book will inspire children to grow their own sunflowers so they can see the real thing…

The Great Cheese Robbery by Tim Warnes

 

Patrick Elephant is scared of lots of things, like the dark and the fluff under the sofa. His daddy isn’t scared of anything - except mice! So when a mouse posing as a cheese inspector tries to steal the elephants’ cheese, Daddy is too terrified to stop him! Can little Patrick Elephant save the cheese - and his father?

Published by Little Tiger Press 2 March 2015 

Summary From Little Tiger

A hilarious new tale from Tim Warnes (Dangerous!, Monty and Milli - The Totally Amazing Magic Trick). The Great Cheese Robbery is the perfect book for kids dealing with phobias. Warnes’ fresh and quirky illustrations and mischievous mice will captivate young readers. A fantastically funny story that parents won’t mind reading again and again . . . and again!

Review by Elizabeth Dale

This is a fun story that deals with the fact that everyone - even the biggest amongst us - is afraid of something. At first it seems that Daddy Elephant is totally fearless - Patrick, his son, tries and tries to scare him and make him jump, but it just doesn’t work. But then, while Mummy’s out, the mice arrive - led by dastardly Cornelius J. Parker and we see that Daddy is absolutely terrified of mice. He lets Cornelius and his huge troupe of’  thieving mice friends get away with everything - including the fridge until Mummy Elephant arrives home just in time!

I tested this story out on a six and three-year old and they were initially not that keen on reading it compared to other books. The cover is actually rather plain compared to the wonderful havoc inside - but once into the story the children absolutely loved the fact that a dad could be afraid of and be made to look so silly by something so much smaller than him. This is a humorous story, with fun illustrations, that allows children to laugh at fears - which can be no bad thing. This is a funny, entertaining and useful addition to any children’s bookshelf.