Lenny In The Garden by Ken Wilson-Max

The Lenny series of stories are perfect picture books for the very young, celebrating the everyday life of little ones and their families and great fun to share at home and in early years settings. This latest title, Lenny in the Garden depicts Lenny and his Mum, and the dog Wilbur, experiencing the joy of spending time together in the garden. Mummy is gardening while Lenny and Wilbur explore discovering all sorts of interesting creatures. Lenny delights in the feel of the grass on his bare toes and a butterfly tickling his nose while watching the tiny creatures around him. Spiders, worms, caterpillars, ladybirds, grasshoppers and snails also make an appearance. The book ends with Mummy and Lenny singing the nursery rhyme Tommy Thumb together.

Lenny in the Garden although initially appearing to be a simple story does in fact encompass a great deal, exploring early experiences and routines, encouraging curiosity and independence, inclusive in presentation and a charming way of introducing interactive songs to very young book lovers. My little grandson loves his Lenny books and I’m really looking forward to seeing his reaction to this one. Published by Alana Max in April and I am grateful to the publishers for providing my review copy.

Old Oak and the Wild Flowers by Elena Mannion illustrated by Erin Brown

Following the earlier two books in this series endorsed by CPRE, the Countryside Charity and The Tree Council Old Oak and the Wild Flowers once again celebrates the countryside but this time explores the restoration of nature and habitats that will boost biodiversity. This third collaboration between Elena Mannion and Erin Brown is an appealing blend of traditional style picture book with stunning illustrations and a lyrical text providing a thoughtful depiction of the contemporary subject of farmland regeneration for a young audience.

In this third book of the series good friends Old Oak and Mr Shield are worrying about the weather. The summer has been too hot and it followed a long winter and the two friends are puzzling over the results of this. Meanwhile the mighty Stag Beetle holds a meeting with all the insects and having decided that there are not enough flowers to feed them all the winged insects leave to find food elsewhere. Old Oak and Mr Shield watch and wait as the seasons change, concerned for their home and their friends, but with the arrival of spring comes a surprise and a happy development. The hopeful and positive ending provides evidence of the possible outcome of human actions to help conserve our environment.

This beautiful hardback book would be an excellent present for children of about 5+ but it would also be a welcome addition to school library and classroom bookshelves. The simply stunning illustrations are full of detailed, accurate pictures of farmland creatures and children will enjoy poring over them to spot the different insects and birds making this an excellent learning experience. Old Oak and the Wild Flowers is a positive story which will encourage children to engage with the countryside and increase their awareness and understanding of its importance. Published by Pikku Publishing on 15th May and I would like to thank Elena Mannion for my review copy.

Night Flight by Katie Cottle

Ellie has grown up in a village. It is small and surrounded by green fields, flowers and woods. Each morning as Ellie walks to school she searches to see which birds she can spot. But when Ellie’s Mum gets a new job they have to move to the city and although Mum gives her a new book to help identify birds and a bird feeder for her window no birds come to visit. Ellie searches near her new flat but still she does not find the many different types of birds she was used to seeing in her old home. Then in the middle of the night by a special starling who explains the problem. The birds are lost because the glow from the city’s bright lights has confused them and they can’t find their way without the stars to guide them. Ellie is determined to help and tries to persuade others to join her in persuading people to turn off their lights.

This is another positive book encouraging children that by using even the smallest of voices we can all do our little bit to help. Katie Cottle’s illustrations are gorgeous and there is a magical quality to the story but it is the empowering message that gives this picture book that little bit extra. Without being didactic in tone this book is informative and encouraging and would be lovely way of introducing the topic of light pollution in the classroom and prompting discussion too. Published by Penguin Books on 4th April. I should like to thank Lily Orgill and the publishers for providing my review copy.