Family outings with very young children, philosophy and big ideas for little people, a journey of wonder and discovery in our natural world, humour, kindness and friendship in an imaginary world, a touch of fairy tale magic bringing hope to a story of child labour set in 19th century Britain, a face-changer battling magic, danger and intrigue and an environmental thriller feature in the children’s books I have read and enjoyed over the last few weeks.

Zeki Eats Out words by Anna McQuinn pictures by Ruth Hearson

There are some books I recommend with my school librarian ‘hat’ on and others that I enjoy on a personal level. The Zeki series falls into a rather special category, ‘recommended by my toddler grandson’! However I would be wholeheartedly recommending Zeki to all Early Years settings in my school librarian role too. This latest title celebrates a family outing to a restaurant and incorporates many experiences familiar to very young children such as time with grandparents, trying new foods and meeting people.

Zeki and his Daddy are going to meet Nana G. for lunch and sensibly Zeki has been preparing for the outing by playing ‘restaurant’ with his toys, so that he knows how to behave. His much loved Mr. Seahorse has played a key role in these preparations and on the day accompanies Zeki and Daddy to the restaurant where they are to meet Zeki’s grandma. Once inside the happy little party are greeted by a friendly waiter, choose their meals and use the bathroom before eating. Zeki sits in a special highchair and unexpected food is dealt with without fuss or drama. They even manage to fit in a dessert!

As with all the books in this delightful series this is a thoughtfully created little package full of detail, care and understanding. Anna McQuinn has selected vocabulary that is clear and readily understood by young listeners. For example when playing, Zeki tells his toy seahorse to ”sit nicely and not to play with his food.” This, I think, is a kind way in which to convey to little ones what is, ideally, expected of them too. The visit to the toilets before lunch includes the ”Whoosh” of the hand-dryer, something that may startle young children if they are not expecting it. The illustration for this double page spread is at Zeki’s height level which is a helpful touch too. Ruth Hearson has a knack for conveying joy in her pictures and the presence of Mr Seahorse on every page captures the importance to a small child of their favourite ‘cuddly’.

Zeki Eats Out is wonderful for encouraging play, conversation and new vocabulary but most of all it celebrates the joy of family experiences shared together and is a welcome addition to this perfect series for babies and young children. No wonder my grandson loves Zeki! Published this month by Alanna Max. I would like to thank the publishers and Fay Erek for my review copy.

The Most Amazing Thing by Ian Hayward Robinson and Matt Shanks

It is raining outside and young Henry is stuck at home and the rest of his family are all busy. Henry mooches around the house wondering what to do and finally his Mum suggests that he draws something ‘amazing’. Unfortunately Henry cannot think of anything amazing at all. So begins this charming and quite thought provoking picture book. As Henry asks all his family members for suggestions of something amazing each suggests something different; life, the mind or the universe. It is his Mum who provides an unexpected answer which prompts Henry to view things differently.

The Most Amazing Thing is a gentle way of introducing the idea of philosophical thought to a young audience and conveying the idea that each of us is unique and valuable. It encourages children to notice the world around them and to appreciate the wonder of it all. This would be great for curious children and those who love questioning things too. It is clear that a great deal of thought has gone into the illustrations and the presentation. At some points they switch from the horizontal to the vertical which may surprise readers and fits in with the theme of viewing things in a slightly different way. A clever and most enjoyable picture book. Published by Allen and Unwin who I would like to thank for my review copy.

Tree by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft

The multi-award-winning and highly acclaimed creators Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft return in this new collaboration which follows a mighty tree, the mountain ash in Australia, from the bottom of its roots up to the tips of its upper branches. Told in a narrative style this book explores the natural world where the tree grows, the creatures that live beneath and in it and the structure of the tree itself. The combination of lyrical text, information and beautiful illustration ensure this book has a real quality feel to it and the final page is wonderful. The author includes vocabulary to stretch and inform yet this book can still be enjoyed by younger children who though they may not understand it all will enjoy the sound of this read aloud and love the gorgeous illustrations.

Tree would be an excellent purchase for primary school libraries as it can be enjoyed by children alone and would be a valuable classroom resource too. The best information books entertain whilst they teach and this stunning picture book achieves that well. Published May 3rd by Allen and Unwin.

The Narzat by Luke Marchant illustrated by Rory Walker

Teacher Luke Marchant’s debut novel for children is a total joy of a book, pitched at newly confident readers of about 6+ this charming story full of humour, kindness, friendship and adventure has all the ingredients of a great book to read aloud too. The author says he has been influenced by the world-building of Terry Pratchett’s Maurice and his Amazing Rodents but this also reminded me a little of Lear and Carroll’s writing with its imaginary world and cast of characters with fabulous names matching their distinctive personalities. The wonderful illustrations by Rory Walker capture the imaginary world and its inhabitants well adding to the enjoyment for children.

The Narzat lives in Jumble Jungle Wood with his friends Looky Lizard and the Chatty Chirper. The Narzat is a bit of a mystery, with his background unknown, but he wears a necklace, his ‘shiny’ which bears a special inscription. Most of the animals in the jungle are friendly but one must be on the look out the Ravenoserous who is loud and lethal. But almost worse than the Ravenoserous are the two villains Lord and Lady Snide who arrive in the jungle armed, dangerous and on the hunt for furs and the Narzat’s necklace.

The trio at the heart of this story are instantly likeable. The Narzat may not be able to talk but kindness and loyalty is apparent in his every action, The Chatty Chirper may not be able to shut up but he is able to see the positive side in every situation and Looky Lizard who communicates through sign language has hidden depths of understanding. From the start of the story readers will be willing these three loveable friends on in their desperate attempts to beat the baddies who are the antithesis of our heroes being greedy, self-centred and cruel. Full of humour but with a strong sense of the importance of kindness and friendship running through it this is a charming story for young readers. The language is playful with a use of vocabulary that will stretch children but not overwhelm them, it is a great balance and is what lends this book to being read aloud. I greatly enjoyed escaping to the Jumble Jungle Wood and am looking forward to returning with the sequel. The Narzat was published on 9th May and I would like to thank Mikka at Everything With Words for my review copy.

The River Spirit by Lucy Strange illustrated by Julia Moscardo

The River Spirit is the third of Lucy Strange’s historical novels for Barrington Stoke and once again she brings a touch of fairy tale magic to the narrative set in 19th century Britain. This sad but hopeful ghostly tale is inspired by the true story of Victorian chimney sweep George Brewster giving it an added poignancy.

After the death of his ferryman father young Tom Waterman has been saved from the Poor House only to be apprenticed to cruel master sweep, Mister Crow. Together with two other young children, Bert and Squirrel, Tom is forced to crawl up the town’s narrow, filthy chimneys each day, acutely aware of the dangers he faces as he grows bigger and the job becomes steadily more difficult for him. Tom feels a deep bond to the river on which he spent so much time with his father and is fascinated by a young girl, Elle, who appears one day on the river bank and joins the children in their perilous lives. Tom does not know quite what to make of Elle and her unusual manner and yet he is drawn to to this strange but calming spirit girl.

Despite the horrendous conditions in which the young children live Lucy Strange has highlighted their courage and their deep bond of friendship, providing some positivity. Tom’s bravery is touching and there is hope despite the tragedy. The magical, other worldly aspect of the story was inspired by Charles Kingsley’s Water Babies and provides a balance to the stark reality of Victorian England for many children. The atmospheric illustrations by Julia Moscardo are perfect for conveying this ethereal quality. This would be an excellent book to share in the classroom with children learning about Victorian England and the Industrial Revolution helping them to develop an understanding of and empathy with people who are part of our past. The River Spirit is published by Barrington Stoke on 6th June, thank you to Poppy McLean for my review copy.

Tidemagic: The Many Faces of Ista Flit by Clare Harlow illustrated by Karl James Mountford

Magic, danger and intrigue lurk in the streets of Shelwich where a courageous young girl is searching for her lost father. A richly imagined world is created in this impressive debut providing a fitting setting for Ista Flit and her companions as they endeavour to untangle a dark and strange mystery.

The magic in Shelwich is linked to the tides and when the tides are high the magic is strongest and anything is possible, especially for Ista whose blessing is to be able to change into someone else, anyone else, for she is a face-changer. She is able to use this to stay hidden and safe when danger lurks but it also helps her as she turns private detective in her quest to find her father. When she meets Nat and Ruby, both on searches of their own, a tentative friendship develops as the three youngsters face trouble as they take on far more than they expected.

Clare Harlow deftly guides her reader through the twists and turns of the storyline, dropping hints, keeping us guessing and leading us down dark alleys as the intrigue intensifies. The three very different children at the heart of the mystery are all likeable protagonists and they, and we, never know quite who we can trust increasing the engagement and the desire to keep reading. Relatively short chapters and stunning illustrations by Karl James Mountford throughout will add to the appeal for young readers too. As all the various threads entwine and we reach the climax of the adventure there are still some unanswered questions and the tantalising epilogue sets things up nicely for the next instalment. Published 2nd May by Puffin Books and I should like to thank the publisher and Chloe Parkinson for my review copy.

Drowning In My Bedroom by Steve Cole illustrated by Oriol Vidal

Steve Cole has now written several books for Barrington Stoke on environmental themes and in his latest he examines how climate changes impacts on the lives of people living in vulnerable island nations and also the effects of poverty and disability on young people’s lives. Drowning In My Bedroom is both a powerful thriller and a thought provoking and empathetic story.

This story is set in Manila and is told through the dual narrative of two children who at first appear to have little in common however as events unfold Junjun and Gayla are literally swept up together in a fight for survival. Junjun and his family live in a makeshift shack in the city and Junjun spends his days begging on the streets to try to help support his family. Gayla has cerebral palsy and is staying in a residential centre for young people with disabilities and is reluctantly adapting to a motorised wheelchair. When their paths cross initially both feel pity for the other and their situation. However as the floodwater rises in the city Gayla and Junjun meet again in dramatic circumstances and each of them discover that they need to work together.

Steve Cole’s research has enabled him to convey the disparity in the effects of global warming on society effectively and in a way which will prompt his readers to think about those who are more vulnerable. The book stresses the impact on developing nations such as the Philippines and his notes at the end of the book highlight the importance of those who are more fortunate being encouraged to imagine what it may be like for those who are not. This would be an excellent book to use in the classroom for children of 11+ to prompt discussion and further research but also, perhaps most importantly, to encourage understanding and inspire them to take action. Published on 11th April. I should like to thank Poppy McLean and the publishers for my review copy.