One of the many things I find particularly engaging about reading and reviewing books for children is that if not always blessed with a perfect, happy ending they do usually provide a hopeful one. The news over the summer both nationally and internationally has been deeply disturbing for many and there is no getting away from the fact that our world is a troubled one at present. Although we should not hide away from that sometimes we need the reassurance that generally people are doing their best and trying to be kind. Children’s books usually celebrate that. These two books, both published in August by Usborne, are excellent examples of hope, love and resilience.

Shipwrecked by Jenny Pearson illustrated by Nick East

Our newly appointed Children’s Laureate, Frank Cottrell Boyce, once described William Golding’s Lord of the Flies as “an enjoyable romp that people have taken as a revelation about human nature, which could not be more wrong.” He would, I think, much prefer Jenny Pearson’s version of children’s behaviour when stranded on an island alone. Once more this insightful author has created a story that is packed with humour, full of adventure and yet beautifully portrays the power of the human spirit to cope with adversity. Jenny Pearson has the knack of switching the mood from hilarity to poignant sadness within a few lines and it is this quality, I think, which makes her books stand out.

Sebastian Sunrise and his two best friends, Lina and Etienne, are in a bit of trouble. They are stranded on a desert island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, after a rowing race went very, very wrong.  The friends have no idea how long they might have to stay on the island, so they make a plan. They will try to survive, look after the island’s baby turtles, and have fun, if they can. But even the best laid plans can go wrong and as they face challenges such as an out of control goat, jellyfish stings and, finally, dangerous pirates the friends fear that the dangers may prove too much for them.

The three main characters are beautifully drawn to engage young readers, with their respective back stories providing reasons for their behaviour and attitudes. Sebastian, Lina and Etienne are very different in personality but bond as little team in a manner that inspires and appeals in equal measure. Lina uses The Lord of the Flies as a sort of survival manual and guide as to what ‘not to do’ and bosses the boys with aplomb, impetuous Sebastian lurches from drama to drama with good humour and little Etienne, despite being initially timid and fearful, has the kindest heart you could imagine.

Shipwrecked is an exciting read with tension, drama and danger to hook the reader but even this somewhat cynical adult reader was lifted by the sheer joy of this story, the growing confidence, the self discovery, the resilience and the deep bond of friendship between these three unique but endearing children.

The eye catching cover and the black and white illustrations throughout by Nick East capture the spirit of the story perfectly and will be appreciated by young readers with their touches of humour. If you want to get the new school year off to a happy start I would strongly recommend Shipwrecked as a class read aloud.

Thank you very much to Fritha Lindqvist for sending me my copy of Shipwrecked.

Friends Always and Forever by G M Linton

It is a delight to see Sunshine Simpson return in this third instalment of this charming series about Sunshine and her family. In Friends Always and Forever we join the family as they are off on the holiday of a lifetime thanks to Auntie Sharon’s huge win on the lottery. They are all going to Jamaica and Sunshine can’t wait to visit the country where her grandparents grew up and about which she has heard so many stories from her beloved Grandad Bobby.

Although Sunshine’s mum is convinced her husband has forgotten their forthcoming wedding anniversary he has in fact decided to surprise her with a renewal of their wedding vows ceremony. Auntie Sharon enlists Sunshine’s help to organise a secret wedding that will never be forgotten but once they arrive in Jamaica things start to go badly wrong and Sunshine begins to worry that the special day will be a disaster.

When a story for children is told in the first person it is crucial that the narrative voice is pitched well for the readership. G M Linton has created an appealing and authentic character in the likeable and optimistic Sunshine whose sadness at the death of her beloved grandad the year before is balanced by her enthusiasm and delight in experiencing life in the country that meant so much to him.

Readers will learn a great deal about Jamaica and the Windrush generation from this story, the differing cultures, the traditions and the way of life are incorporated in the plot in a natural manner. There are many themes touched upon including transition to a new school, extended families with differing backgrounds, grief and friendship issues and the importance of teamwork.

This would be an excellent book to share in the classroom during Black History Month but I would wholeheartedly recommend this for any time of the year. A wonderful, feel good read. Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist for my review copy.