Adventures are a bit like hiccups. They can happen to anyone at anytime…”
Mrs Rickety-Knees page 3 Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons
For as long as she can remember ten year old Ember Spark has yearned for adventure and the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of her comic book heroine Gutsy Wonder. However Ember lives in the sleepy, Scottish seaside village of Yawn where there is little in the way of excitement. Ever since her Dad left Ember has withdrawn from her old friends spending time at home with her Mum meaning that life is even more dull than previously. But then one day her teacher, the wonderful Mrs Rickety-Knees, gives Ember a rather unusual assignment and everything changes.
Abi Elphinstone has a knack of creating believable magic in her books and with kindness and understanding is able, through her adventurous stories, to encourage children to be curious and to tackle the unexpected with courage be that saving mythical beasts or coping with family break up. In Ember and Arno Whisper, the boy who accompanies Ember on the adventure, she has created characters with whom her young readers will readily empathise. Ember is gutsy and determined and Arno is more timid and thoughtful but they complement each other well and this unlikely team form a growing bond as they face daunting tasks and danger together.
There are aspects of the story that readers of Abi’s books will recognise, such as the wonderful character names and the importance of the landscape to the plot and of course the magic. Children will encounter dragons both large and small, a meringue eating unicorn, a hamster-like sidekick, and a flying bath tub plus a villain they will be willing Ember and Arno to overcome. The setting itself is based upon the author’s home in the east of Scotland and the descriptions bring the landscape to life for her readers. When animal loving Ember is recruited by Rusty Fizzbang to be an Apprentice Vet to Magical Beasts she instantly rises to the challenge. Arno, despite his initial panic has hidden depths and the two children work together to complete their mission. As the story progresses Ember, reluctantly at first, accepts the hand of friendship that Arno gently and kindly offers and he too gains from Ember’s determination and curiosity. In the author’s note readers learn that Ember is inspired by Abi Elphinstone’s own little daughter, giving the character an added appeal and relevance. Through an exciting adventure both the lead characters and the young readers learn how important true friendship is and its value in everyday life. Abi Elphinstone blends the magical, dangerous challenge Ember and Arno face with contemporary difficulties such as school room bullying and marriage breakdown in a manner that will inspire her readers with optimism and hope.
This book is a terrific introduction to a new series and I imagine many children will be keen to find out what happens to Ember and Arno from now on. Luckily the second in the series, Ember Spark and the Frost Phoenix, will follow in October. Ember Spark and The Thunder of Dragons is suitable for readers of about 8+ and will be published on 9th May by Simon and Schuster and I would like to thank Jess Dean for my proof copy.
If you would like to try another book by Abi Elphinstone I can recommend them all but would particularly draw attention to Sky Song a stand alone novel full of courage, hope and acceptance. Rumblestar is the first in the Unmapped Chronicles series and will have children searching for the magical world she has created in the manner previous generations have tried in to reach Narnia.
The boom in children’s poetry continues with more and more children becoming enthusiastic about poems and poets. It is lovely to share some more positive news on the subject. Today, 7th February the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) announced the judging panel for CLIPPA, this country’s leading award for poetry published for children, together with plans for this year’s poetry celebrations. Award-winning poet Liz Berry will chair the 2024 judging panel. She is joined by teacher and writer Darren Chetty, Billie Manning of the Poetry Society, Imogen Maund, teacher and UKLA representative, and Laura Mucha, who was shortlisted for the CLiPPA in 2022. Established in 2003, the CLiPPA highlights the best new poetry for children. Past winners include Michael Rosen, John Agard, Jackie Kay, Roger McGough, Valerie Bloom and current Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho.
The unique CLiPPA Shadowing Scheme brings the poets and poetry on the shortlist into classrooms across the UK and encourages children to perform their favourite poems out loud. CLPE anticipate that over 40,000 children will participate in 2024. The shadowing scheme encourages schools and teachers to grow that love of poetry. Teachers are invited to choose one of the collections shortlisted for the CLiPPA and share with the children using dedicated teaching sequences produced by CLPE as well as videos of poets performing their work. Children choose a favourite poem from a shortlisted collection to work up into a performance, which is recorded and sent to a CLPE judging panel. Winning schools are invited to perform live at the award ceremony. The 2024 CLiPPA Shadowing will open on 8th May, with a live announcement beamed into schools and featuring the shortlisted poets. The award ceremony will be held at the National Theatre on Friday 12th July.
Liz Berry says, “If we’re lucky enough to meet poems when we’re children, we come to them with an open heart and never learn to feel afraid of them but to see them as companions on our journey. The best poetry meets young people where they are and then carries them off to dreams and possibilities. As a teacher, parent and a poet, I love reading and sharing poems with young people and seeing that magic happen. I’m delighted to be chairing the CLiPPA this year (honestly, what poetry job could be more joyful?) and discovering the books which will be enchanting the next generation of dreamers.”
The CLiPPA is delivered in partnership with the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) and supported by Arts Council England. For further information about the award and the shadowing scheme please visit the website. You may also be interested in this article for the Children’s Poetry Summit website written by Charlotte Hacking from the CLPE in which she shares some of what CLPE achieved in The Big Amazing Poetry Project in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books and the impact of the training on teachers and children.
Welcome to this month’s look back at what has been happening in the world of children’s books. It has been another busy few weeks with a focus on school libraries and librarians, awards shortlists, longlists and winners plus events and resources linked to children’s books and reading to catch up with.
What I’m reading…
A new picture book tiger to love, an action packed story of superheroes, a paperback version of an award winning information book and the first in a brand new spooky series have been part of my reading over the last month. You can read my reviews here and I hope that one of the titles included will tempt the young readers in your life. Thanks to Ben Harris suggested read along for January I have read a children’s classic that I had missed out on before. Over Sea, Under Stone by Susan Cooper was an enjoyable read and I was struck by how the story developed in ways that I wasn’t expecting. The first chapter lulls the reader into thinking it will be a traditional holiday adventure yet the themes of good versus evil gradually came to the fore and this was a book with depth. I do hope I can find the time to read The Dark is Rising, the second book in the sequence.
A quick update on my Christmas present reading that I mentioned last month. I thought that The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman was the best one of the Thursday Murder Club Mysteries so far. Regular readers now know the characters well and this latest instalment was profoundly moving at times and the storyline taking in grief, loss and dementia was treated with great understanding. The elderly gang tackled heroin dealers and murderers with their usual aplomb and the warm humour balances the poignancy throughout. If you have not read this series yet I would recommend reading them in order as the characters and the development of their relationships is key to the enjoyment.
News, articles and resources…
‘School libraries and librarians matter’ – Thursday 8 Feb 2024 – there may still be places available for this free Literacy and Social Justice Centre Research Seminar next week. In this presentation, Loh Chin Ee will share about the various factors that contribute to a successful primary school library, drawing from a case study of one exemplary school library in Singapore. Find out more and book your place via the Open University Reading for Pleasure website above.
Children’s Mental Health Week 2024 – Children’s Mental Health Week will take place next week from 5 to 11 February 2024, with the theme of My Voice Matters. It was set up by children’s mental health charity Place2Be and shines a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health. The National Literacy Trust had partnered with Penguin Random House UK and Charlie Mackesy to create KS1/P2-3 and KS2/P4-P7 cross-curricular literacy and PSHE resources to help you mark the event.
Scholastic UK Launches Graphic Novel Prize – The Graphic Novel Prize joins Scholastic’s other competitions such as the Laugh Out Loud Awards and will be awarded in three categories: Graphic Novel for Younger Readers; Graphic Novel for Older Readers; and Graphic Novel for Teens. Representatives from BookTrust will select the longlist and a judging panel will select the shortlist. The final winners will be chosen by children’s votes, using Scholastic’s school channels to promote the titles, create class resources, voting packs and a virtual shortlist showcase.
The Portable Magic Dispenser – this regular newsletter from school librarian Lucas Maxwell always includes excellent tips, ideas and book suggestions. The latest issue highlights, How Dungeons & Dragons Can Help Members of The Neurodivergent Community, a downloadable poster for fans of One of Us Is Lying and How to Spot a Fake News Story.
Adrien Prize 2024 – Shortlist Announced! – The shortlist for the Adrien Prize 2024 was announced on 9th January. Now in its second year, the Adrien Prize was set up by best-selling author Elle McNicoll to celebrate middle grade and YA fiction that provides a positive portrayal of a protagonist with a disability.
Charlotte Hacking: Poetry in Primary – What We Know Works – in this article for the Children’s Poetry Summit website Charlotte Hacking from the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) shares some of what CLPE achieved in The Big Amazing Poetry Project in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books and the impact of the training on teachers and children.
Inclusive Books for Children Awards 2024 Shortlists Announced – on 15th January Inclusive Books for Children revealed the 13 brilliant books that made it onto the shortlists for their new inclusive children’s book awards. The inaugural Inclusive Books for Children Awards recognise the best new inclusive books published in the UK across three categories: books for babies and toddlers aged one to three, picture books for ages three to seven and children’s fiction for ages five to nine. Do please visit the Inclusive Books for Children website to find out more about the background to the award and browse their great book lists.
Books For Keeps January Issue – a great way to kick off 2024 this online magazine is a brilliant resource for anyone interested in children’s books. In addition to the regular reviews there is the Authorgraph interview with Debi Gliori; Steve Small Windows into Illustration; new Beyond the Secret Garden; Satoshi Kitamura interview; Fabia Turner on Inclusive Books for Children and their new awards plus new year predictions and the childrensbooks to read in 2024. There is a wonderful positivity about this issue that is heartening.
Oxford Children’s Word of the Year – For over a decade lexicographers, publishers and editors from Oxford University Press have been tracking changes in children’s language, vocabulary and self-expression and providing insights into children’s evolving use of language. The word of the year for 2023 is ‘climate change’. You can download the full report on the website above.
Reading Together: BookTrust joins forces with all 12 Children’s Laureates to call for investment in early years reading – on 17th January Book Trust launched the Reading Together campaign highlighting the importance of early years reading. All 12 Waterstones Children’s Laureates have joined the charity a call to make sure no child misses out on reading’s life-changing benefits. Please do read the article linked above and the link to the letter from Book Trust’s CEO to find out more about this important initiative.
Michael Morpurgo backs call to ensure poorer children have access to books – a Guardian article linked to the campaign mentioned above in which former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo highlights the detrimental effect that the closure of libraries has had on children’s access to books and reading.
What to Read After… Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll – Emma Carroll’s historical novels for children are immensely popular in schools and the Book Trust team and Emma herself have put together some great suggestions that young readers may like to try if they have enjoyed her books.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Reading for Pleasure Resource Bank – Professor Teresa Cremin has created a series of useful articles and downloadable resources to support the development of a Reading for Pleasure culture. These include an introduction, audit guidance, finding suitable books and much more all supported by reliable research.
Annual Indie Champions Awards Winners – these awards recognise the top individuals and organisations that have supported independent bookshops with Bookshop UK in the past year. Children’s Author of the Year is Katherine Rundell, author of Impossible Creatures and Innovative use of Bookshop.org is Books For Topics run by Alison Leach. Congratulations to them both.
The Winners of the 2024 Newbery & Caldecott Awards Announced – the John Newbery Award was first awarded in 1922 and this year’s winner is The Eyes and the Impossible written by Dave Eggers and illustrated by Shawn Harris. Started in 1938, the Randolph Caldecott Award is awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children published in the United States in the previous year and the 2024 winner is Big by Vashti Harrison.
The Branford Boase Award Longlist Announced – Founded in 2000, 2024 marks 25 years of this unique award set up in memory of award-winning author Henrietta Branford and her editor Wendy Boase. The Branford Boase Award is given annually to the author of the year’s outstanding debut novel for children and the longlist of 25 titles announced on 24th January features three verse novels, detective stories, YA romances and contemporary dramas. Exploring the longlist is a great way of keeping up to date with new talent. The shortlist for the Award will be announced on Thursday 25April 2024. The winner will be announced on Thursday, 11July 2024 at an award ceremony at CLPEin London.
The Reader Teacher: Monthly Must Reads for January – each month Scott Evans selects fiction, picture book and information must reads from books published that month and shares them via a free downloadable poster that you can find on the link above.
Where the Heart Should Be: Sarah Crossan Book Launch – This is a rare opportunity to listen to leading figures in the field of children’s and YA literature discuss Where the Heart Should Be. Sarah Crossan’s new YA novel (published on 14 March 2024) is described as an outstanding novel; thought-provoking and incredibly moving, it explores love and family during The Great Hunger in Ireland. Sarah will talk with Sita Brahmachari and Michael Rosen about how the novel took shape and writing about the Irish famine for a YA readership. 18th March 6:00pm – 8:00pm hosted by the Children’s and YA Literature Research Forum and Centre for Language, Culture and Learning at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Read for Empathy Collections Announced Thursday 8th February – EmpathyLab has produced a Read for Empathy Book Collection, with accompanying Read for Empathy Book Guides, annually since 2017. The eighth collection consists of 65 books for 3-16-year-olds – split between primary (3-11 year olds) and secondary (11-16 year olds). Each title has been chosen by a panel of judges to do a specific empathy-building job. Please look out for the big reveal next week and you can find out more on the website above.
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels – A snail in space, dinosaurs on the beach, a fresh take on Jane Eyre, and a kebab-eating incarnation of Otis Redding are among the tempting titles in Imogen Russell Williams recent selection for the Guardian.
Nero Book Award Winners – this week the category winners for the inaugural Nero Book Awards, celebrating outstanding books and writers from the UK and Ireland of the last 12 months across four categories: Children’s Fiction, Debut Fiction, Fiction and Non-Fiction were announced. Many congratulations to all the winners in particular the Children’s Fiction winner – The Swifts by Beth Lincoln (Puffin). Illustrated by Claire Powell.
Live digital broadcast of Michael Rosen’s Big 50 Years Show – are you looking for a wonderful event to mark World Book Day? This may be the answer. Join schools across the country to watch Michael Rosen’s Big 50 Year’s Show live streamed to the whiteboard in your classroom from the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich on World Book Day. This very special show marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of Michael Rosen’s first book for children, Mind Your Own Business, and 50 years of Michael inspiring generations of children, teachers and families with his poetry and live performances. Thursday, 7th March Time:1:30 pm Duration: Approx. 1 hour Suitable for Key Stage 2 Tickets:£10 per log in. Booking details on the link above.
Authorfy Free New Author Videos for World Book Day – in partnership with World Book Day, Mel Taylor-Bessent of Authorfy has asked authors and illustrators about their stories, why they love reading, and what books they’d recommend. You can watch the videos and download a free ‘5 Questions With…’ worksheet on the resources page to have a go at answering the questions yourself too.
Finally,some book reviews that caught my eye recently…
A Penguin Like Me by Marcus Pfister – I love the sound of this new picture book from the creator of The Rainbow Fish that is published in March. In her helpful review Catherine Friess says “A Penguin Like Me is a fabulous picture book to use in the classroom to introduce the concept of diversity. It can stimulate discussions about how our differences can also be our strengths and that whatever our differences are we are all special.“
Pirate Academy New Kid on Deck by Justin Somper, illustrated by Teo Skaffa – a brand new series from the author of Vampirates is launched with this new book published next month. Veronica Price’s review makes this sound extremely tempting and as she says, “At just over 200 pages, with short chapters broken up with cartoon-style illustrations by Teo Skaffa, I am certain that Pirate Academy New Kid on Deck is destined to be a bit hit with readers of 8+.” I imagine this is going be added to many shopping lists.
The Wrong Shoesby Tom Percival – author and illustrator Tom Percival’s first middle-grade novel is a sensitive exploration of child poverty. Having already been impressed by Tom’s thoughtful picture books this title due to be published in May by Simon and Schuster was already on my wish list but this review by Tom Griffiths has highlighted how important and valuable this story will be. Please do read Tom’s review to find out more.
That’s everything for this round up and there is quite a lot to get through! I hope you have found something here useful or have been tempted to try one of the books mentioned. This weekend I will be reading Ember Spark and the Thunder of Dragons by Abi Elphinstone which is published in May. I am halfway through the story and I am lifted by the customary hope and enthusiasm always found in Abi’s books. Stories for children are a wonderful way of rekindling that feeling in adults battered by worrying and depressing news from home and abroad. Wishing everyone a happy February.
A new picture book tiger to love, an action packed story of superheroes, a paperback version of an award winning information book and the first in a brand new spooky series have been part of my reading over the last month. I hope that something here will tempt the young readers in your life.
There’s a Tiger on the Train written by Mariesa Dulak illustrated by Rebecca Cobb
This debut from Mariesa Dulak accompanied by illustrations by award winner Rebecca Cobb has a delightful appeal and reminded me a little of a well-known and much loved classic tiger picture book. There’s a Tiger on the Train follows a father and son as they go on a train journey to the seaside and highlights the very different ways the two of them experience this outing. Dad is so engrossed in his phone that he misses all the fun on the way so there is relevance and a message conveyed here but thankfully there is a happy and fulfilling ending.
This is an enjoyable book to read aloud with repetition and a rhythm that matches the sound of the steam journey’s travel. Dulak’s text bounces along with touches of humour too. Rebecca Cobb has a distinctive illustrative style which captures and conveys both the excitement of the small boy, the chaos of the journey and the father’s distance from it all. The busy pictures of the hippos, crocodiles, piglets and pugs who join the tiger, the boy and his father are perfect for talking about with a young child. Along with fun this is also a celebration of the imagination and the importance of the parental bond with their child. A charming book full of joy, humour and family. Published by Faber Children’s Books on 1st February. Thank you to the publishers and Simi Toor for my review copy.
The O.D.D. Squad: Rise of Invisidog by Stuart Heritage illustrated by Vincent Batignole
The first in an action packed series featuring an unlikely trio of superheroes, or maybe that should read ‘would be superheroes’ this is utterly bonkers but with bags of appeal to younger readers. A clever blend of graphic novel and early chapter book this will probably appeal to fans of Bunny vs Monkey and could well convert reluctant readers.
Invisidog is determined to clean up the streets of Justice City and wipe out crime. He is brave, good and kind and he is stalking the streets to stop evil villains with the help of his superpower. However his superpower is that he is invisible which turns out is not quite as useful as he hoped it would be. The deadly and dangerous Trouble Gang led by Captain Bad aided by his sidekick Daniel are under surveillance by Invisidog but unfortunately as they can’t see him his attempts to foil their dastardly plans are unsuccessful. The dog decides he must team up with super hero Quack Attack and genius Detective Octopus to finally defeat Captain Bad. What could possibly go wrong?
Stuart Heritage’s narrative style with many asides and explanations to his readers adds to the fun and this would be a joy for an adult to read aloud either at home or in school, particularly if they enjoy “doing the voices”! The visual impact of Vincent Batignole’s vibrant illustrations, the varying typeface and the overall presentation give this additional appeal. Batignole has a background in comics and has studied cinema history and this is apparent in his style. I have a feeling the O.D.D. Squad will be a hit with many children so it is good news that the second adventure is due out later this year. Published by Puffin on 18th January. Thank you to Liz Skelly for my review copy.
How Does A Lighthouse Work? by Roman Belyaev
The hardback edition of this appealing information book published in 2018 won the STEAM Children’s Book Award in that year and was also nominated for the 2019 Kate Greenaway Medal. This new paperback published by B Small Publishing on 1st February brings the book to a new audience and would be a valuable addition to both school and home bookshelves.
How Does a Lighthouse Work? provides a fascinating insight into both the science and the history of lighthouses around the world as the reader accompanies a group of school children as they ask questions such as What are the most unusual lighthouses in the world? When and where did lighthouses first appear? and How are lighthouses built? Each of these questions and others have a double page spread devoted to them and the answers are interesting, informative and clear alongside some excellent illustrations in a slightly retro style. We learn how they have helped sailors to navigate dangerous seas for hundreds of years, how modern technology has changed how they work and how they still provide a vital service to those at sea. As an adult I learned a great deal from this well presented book and it is an absorbing read as well as being a useful source of information. Although slightly different in that there is no contents page or index the style ensures that this book is a valuable tool to share both in school and at home and curious children will lap this up. The accompanying publicity material suggests a suitability of age 5+ however I think children quite a lot older will enjoy this book too. Highly recommended. Thank you to Naomi Weeks of B Small for my review copy.
Shadowhall Academy: Whispering Walls by Phil Hickes
The first in a spooky new series by Phil Hickes, the author of the popular Aveline series, Whispering Walls introduces readers to the mysteries of Shadowhall Academy with its noises in the night, ghostly sightings and troubled history. A brilliant blend of Malory Towers and Point Horror this is a treat for young lovers of creepy mysteries.
Lilian Jones is nervous about starting at boarding school and leaving her family behind. Shadowhall Academy is creepy, cold and large and Lilian worries about finding her way around and making new friends. When the other girls in her dormitory tell her the school is haunted she thinks they’re just trying to scare the new girl. But then strange things start happening, first tapping and whispers in the walls at night then tales of missing students and strange figures in the woods. Lilian discovers that not only are the school ghost stories true, but her new friends could be in danger. So she sets out to uncover the secrets of Shadowhall Academy.
Phil Hickes takes all the familiar tropes of boarding school stories, cold dormitories, cross country runs, miserable school food and comforting biscuit feasts and adds a mystery that develops from intriguing, to spooky to utterly scary. The plot romps along and this will keep young readers well and truly hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed this, Lilian is a likeable protagonist and the developing friendship between the very different characters of the four girls is well drawn. Set in the 1980s Hickes also neatly gets round the issue of the internet and mobile phones allowing the friends to try to solve the mystery themselves. And there’s a helpful school librarian! I particularly liked that aspect. A mention too of the great cover by Keith Robinson which captures the mood of the story well. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series. Published by Usborne on 1st February. Thank you to the publishers and Jessica Feichtlbauer for my proof copy.
Welcome to the first Reading Matters newsletter of 2024 and I hope that everyone had a happy and healthy Christmas holiday. This round up includes both a look back at the best of 2023 and a preview of some books we can look forward to at the start of this new year. There are events and resources too so why not settle down and explore.
What I’m reading…
Since my last round up my reading has been affected by both Christmas preparations and Covid which arrived in our house on Christmas Eve and is still with us as we start 2024. However books have been a welcome escape and I have several gems (that autocorrected to germs which is appropriate!) that I would like to share with you. My December reading round up included a couple of titles that had languished on my shelves for far too long and two new books published by Everything With Words. All of them were enjoyable reads. Moving on to 2024 one of my favourite publishers, Barrington Stoke, have several new books coming out at the moment and I reviewed three this week that have got the year off to a happy start. All three are books I would recommend.
My Christmas presents included the latest Richard Osman, The Last Devil to Die, and despite the body count this has been just what I needed. It may have been induced by my overuse of Lemsip and the resulting brain fog but I even found myself trying out the online quiz shared by Richard Osman to see which character I’m most like. It turns out I am 53% Joyce with “a little bit of Elizabeth” and “hardly any Ron at all”. Perhaps I need a dash more Elizabeth. Sorry, this will only make sense if you’ve read the books! Returning to children’s books I have just started reading Susan Cooper’s Over Sea, Under Stone prompted by Ben Harris’s online read along. It is lovely to discover a classic that I had missed.
The best children’s and YA books of 2023 – From a bear who stockpiles dreams to a sisterhood of knights via a tiger sea captain, the Guardian’s children’s book critics pick their favourite titles for children and young adults. There are some gorgeous picture books included and I was delighted to see some of my personal favourites included in the chapter book selection and one of my many resolutions is to try to broaden my reading in the teen and YA category so this is helpful.
Books For Topics Best Children’s Books of the Year 2023 – the community of primary teachers, TAs, librarians, authors and children’s book lovers were asked to vote for their favourite children’s books published in 2023 and the winners were announced last week. There categories include, Best Classroom Read Aloud, Children’s Favourite and Best Curriculum Support in four different age groups.
Just Imagine Favourite Reads of 2023 - Nikki Gamble and Jo Bowers of Just Imagine asked their review panel to pick their most enjoyable read of the year. And you can find out which books they selected in the video linked above. It is a good idea to visit https://justimagine.co.uk/childrens-books-reviews/ for trusted reviews throughout the year.
CLPE Staff Picks for 2023 – CLPE staff and their children recommend their best children’s books in 2023. A really lovely selection including poetry, picture books and first chapter books.
The Literacy Year– this online calendar of events created by Sian of The Literacy Hive is invaluable. I’ve linked to the calendar home page above where you can search by month, event type or age. It is definitely worth bookmarking the site and signing up for the newsletter to keep up to date.
6 brilliant bookish New Year’s Resolutions to try in 2024 – If you’re looking for ways to start a fresh chapter in 2024, check out Book Trust’s great suggestions of book-themed New Year’s resolutions to try. There are some ideas here that families may enjoy together.
Tom Palmer’s Holocaust Day Memorial Day Resources – Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on Saturday 27th January and award winning author Tom Palmer has once again collaborated with the Literacy Trust and created a new story based on the lives of Holocaust survivor sister and brother, Mala Tribich MBE & the Late Sir Ben Helfgott. The development of the accompanying resources are in the final stage and will be a available soon. Mala Tribich will be joining Tom in an online Q&A event for schools in the run up to Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday 26 January 2024 09:30 to 10:15 to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. You can find out more about the event, how schools can get involved in the Q&A and sign up for reminders for the event on Tom’s excellent and helpful website linked above.
How a Bay Area librarian became an Instagram star – if you are not already following wonderful Solano County librarian Mychal Threets on Instagram or Twitter please do have a look now. His videos of interactions with some of his library users are a total joy. He believes that libraries are for everyone and his delight in sharing everyday happenings of the book related variety is infectious. Guaranteed to make book lovers smile.
The National Literacy Trust: National Reading Champions Quiz – Do you have students aged 10 to 14 who love reading and enjoy sharing their knowledge with friends? Or, perhaps you have students who like being part of a team and having fun? The National Reading Champions Quiz provides a fantastic opportunity for students to enjoy a book quiz with their peers and compete with other schools in their region. The heats will run from 22 February to 25 March. 25 teams are able to sign up and compete in each regional heat. Winning teams from each of the 22 regions will go forward to a star-studded, national final on Wednesday 5 June 2024 held in central London, where one team will be crowned National Reading Champions 2024. Find out how your school can get involved on the Literacy Trust website above.
We Wonder: Journey into Space Reading Challenge – another great National Literacy Trust initiative. They will launch their STEM reading challenge, We Wonder: Journey into Space on 16th January 2024. This is aimed at children aged 7 to 14 who will be encouraged to design their own rocket and journey into space. The challenge aims to promote reading for pleasure, reading diversely and engaging with non-fiction. There will be teacher resources available and a competition for the children. Find out all about it and register your interest to take part.
Register for the 2024 Yoto Carnegies Shadowing Scheme – a reminder that you have until 8th February to register for the shadowing scheme linked to these prestigious awards. You need to register for your group to submit their reviews and artwork inspired by the shortlisted books and to vote for their favourite books to win the Shadowers’ Choice Awards. Shadowing can take place in any location in the world through access to our online resources and there is also a publicity pack available.
Free virtual author events with ReadingZone Live – ReadingZone Live events are aimed at Primary and Secondary groups. You can find the full programme for 2024’s online Author Events via the link above. Each Zoom event includes a half hour author event, followed by an author Q&A via Chat, giving students the opportunity to put their questions to the author. Discounted copies of each author’s books are made available. Highlights this term include Liz Flanagan and Sarah Crossan.
Julia Donaldson and Bookspace join the Great School Libraries Campaign – Former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson has thrown her support behind Great School Libraries campaign, by recording a film explaining why parents should support the this important initiative. BookSpace, the library furniture and design company, have joined as the headline sponsor. Do please support this campaign and share the video, if families join with school librarians and their supporters it could make a big difference
KM Peyton obituary – Kathleen Peyton, who has died aged 94, was a prolific writer for children under the pseudonym KM Peyton. She was best known for the highly regarded and popular Flambards series, which was adapted for television in 1978.
National Storytelling Week 2024: ideas and classroom activities for storytelling – National Storytelling Week takes place at the end of January every year and is a celebration of the power of sharing stories. Join the National Literacy Trust between 27 January and 4 February 2024 to dream up brilliant new worlds. From picture books to video games, there’s something to spark every child’s interest. There are flexible storytelling activities – designed for learners across a wide age range covering Early years, KS1, KS2 and KS3.
Finally, some book reviews that caught my eye recently…
Great Graphic Novels! – Erin Hamilton has reviewed a selection of new graphic novels on her blog and there is something here for a wide range of tastes. Thank you, Erin.
You Are 25% Banana by Susie Brooks Illustrated by Josy Bloggs – The title alone is one that encourages me to read this but if you are looking for non-fiction for the Early Years and Infant age group this definitely sounds like a book that you should explore. Roy James in his review for Just Imagine explains how the author and illustrator make a complicated subject interesting to the youngest readers.
City of Spies By Iszi Lawrence – historical fiction always tempts me and this review by Andrea Reece for Love Reading 4 Kids has highlighted an author who is new to me. The story is set in the American Revolution and Andrea says that “Readers will finish the book knowing much more about this fascinating and important period of our history than they did before and eager for more adventures starring Aiden.”
That’s all for this month’s round up and I do realise that there will be things I have missed but I hope this selection will provide a taste and be helpful to you too. Happy reading and see you next month.
Regular readers will know how highly I rate the publishers Barrington Stoke for all they do to encourage reading for pleasure for every single child. These three new books written by acclaimed authors published this week are a wonderful example of this publisher’s growing success and I would recommend each of them.
Sidney and Carrie Have a Party by Lisa Thompson illustrated by Jess Rose
The Little Gems series by Barrington Stoke are perfectly put together for younger readers aged 5+ being presented in a chunky format with a well designed layout. They are ideal for new readers just gaining confidence. This is the third of the stories featuring Sidney and Carrie and is both charming and wise. Lisa Thompson’s books have been featured in Empathy Lab’s Read for Empathy Collections in the past and her approach to storytelling encourages understanding and empathetic responses to everyday problems in her readers of all ages.
In this story best friends Sidney and Carrie are looking forward to their birthdays and as they celebrate them during the same week their parents suggest a joint party. This idea is met with delight by the two children until they gradually realise that they want different things from the party. From the invitations to entertainment to the cake they cannot agree on anything. This dilemma is testing their friendship until a lesson in the classroom encourages them to try a different approach. The delightful illustrations by Jess Rose help to convey the emotions felt by Sidney and Carrie and this gentle story demonstrates the importance of compromise and negotiation in friendships. A really thoughtful and kind story that will engage young readers incorporating everyday situations they will recognise.
Marvin and the Book of Magic by Jenny Pearson illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff
Jenny Pearson has a knack of blending a great sense of fun with a thoughtful understanding of children, their lives and their worries in every book she writes. Marvin and the Book of Magic, her second book for Barrington Stoke, is a treat for fans of funny stories however it is threaded through with wise kindness too. The illustrations by Aleksei Bitskoff, who also illustrated Bertie and the Alien Chicken, bring Jenny’s characters to life with great humour and add to the fun.
Marvin’s grandad once told him that he had the gift of magic but after the humiliating events of his attempts on a national TV show involving a badly behaved squirrel Marvin has decided that being a magician is not for him. With his dreams in tatters he feels that he has let his late grandad down and the ridicule he receives from a couple of school bullies increases this feeling for poor Marvin. Luckily he has the support of his kind Dad and his enthusiastic best friend Asha, who is most definitely a glass half full type of person to help him recover. However when he visits a rather special shop he becomes the owner of a mysterious book and encouraged by Asha he is tempted to have one more try. Will his comeback at the school talent show be a success? The carefully structured plot demonstrates how magic can be found in friendships too and perhaps also in self belief and perseverance. This is an absolute delight of a story, with pitch perfect dialogue between the two children and some extremely funny moments but I particularly like its gentle and kind message to its young readers. Jenny Pearson has worked her magic yet again. Suitable for readers of about 9+ with a reading age of 8.
Northern Soul by Phil Earle
Award winning author Phil Earle has in the last couple of years gained a new fan base due to his excellent historical fiction so for those readers this hilarious but warm and wise story of first love may be a bit of a surprise. I also think that it may encourage many young people who think books are not for them to read for pleasure. Northern Soul is laugh out loud funny but balanced with understanding and experience making it a perfect read for its intended audience.
Fourteen year old Marv loves football and hanging out with his best mate Jimmy. But then one day new girl Carly walks into his classroom and into his life and everything changes. On the same day Marv also discovers the music of Otis Redding thanks to his single parent Dad who owns a local record shop and has what Marv considers extremely dodgy taste in footwear. (I will not enter the crocs debate online!) Although Marv fears that Carly is out of his league he really wants to win her over and make a good impression. When the ghost of Otis Redding appears in his bedroom and offers to help Marv initially is delighted. However this Otis, with a Yorkshire accent and a craving for fast food, may not be quite the help that Marv expected. The ensuing attempts to woo Carly “aided” by Otis are both hilarious and cringe making in equal measure.
Phil Earle has said that “there’s a fair bit of me in Marv” and that I think is what makes this work so brilliantly. The dialogue, the relationships and the situations are given an authenticity that ensure Northern Soul will resonate with many. Readers will empathise easily with Marv as he lurches from one embarrassing crisis to the next and even though I’m far from the intended readership I loved both the story and Marv himself. There is a need for fiction such as this which is both funny and relatable for teen readers, especially boys. Barrington Stoke and Phil Earle make a great team so let’s hope there is more of this to come. Suitable for readers aged 11+ and this accessible book is edited to a reading age of 8.
Thank you to Poppy McLean and Barrington Stoke for providing my review copies.
There are times when I wonder how on earth I will ever manage to catch up with the daunting pile of books that crowd my ‘must read soon’ shelves. This is hindered further by the many excellent books that are published each month to tempt me. Throughout December I have tried to balance the brand new and those that I have wanted to read for months but just have not got around to. My plans were hindered more than a little by Christmas preparations and Covid rearing its ugly head again, this time I escaped it but Mr T. did not. However these four books, although very different to each other, were worth making time for. Perhaps you have read them already?
Over ten years ago I read Twelve Minutes to Midnight by Christopher Edge, an historical mystery which I enjoyed, recommending it to many readers in the school library. Since then this author’s books have taken a slightly different direction and he has become known for pacy sci-fi adventures.Escape Room had somehow stayed on my bookshelf unread so I resolved to put that right. The story of twelve-year-old Ami who tackles The Escape, the ultimate escape room with puzzles and challenges to beat before time runs out, is a thrilling and thought provoking read. Alongside her teammates, Ami learns from the Host that they have been chosen to save the world and they must work together to find the answer. Christopher Edge is brilliant at building tension and this accessible and relatively short book packs a punch that belies its size. Perfect for young readers who enjoy gaming it also asks questions about humanity’s attitude to our planet and our role in protecting it. Published by Nosy Crow for readers aged 9+.
Our Castle By the Sea by Lucy Strange won the 2021 Young Quills Prize for Historical Fiction and is a beautifully written story set on the English coast at the start of the Second World War. Family is at the centre of the plot but just like in her debut, The Secret of Nightingale Wood, the author incorporates myth and mystery in a convincing manner. Twelve year old Petra and her older sister Magda are characters who one quickly cares about and their development is both credible and touching. Petra’s growth from a quiet, small child to a strong brave young girl is particularly well executed. Lucy Strange handles the harsh reality of the effects of war with sensitivity but without shying away from the effects of loss and trauma on individuals. The plot is utterly absorbing and will keep young readers guessing as the effects of sabotage on the coastal village add to the characters’ difficulties. The setting is an important element to Our Castle by the Sea and is brought vividly to life by the writing. This has such a realistic atmosphere due to the inclusion of historical detail and events that the story although entirely fictional has a strong authentic feel to it. This is the type of book that encouraged me to become a reader as a child and I’m delighted that Lucy Strange is encouraging that emotional engagement in today’s young readers. Highly recommended and published by Chicken House for readers of about 10+.
The Republic of Dreams by Richard Lambert
The sequel to Shadow Town, a Times Best Book of the Year in 2021, balances excitement and danger with personal hopes and fears in a fantasy threaded through with themes of environmental disaster and political corruption that are pertinent today. We are reunited with Toby, the young boy who visited the world of Balthasar in the first book, and Tamurlaine, his friend and princess, soon to be queen of the troubled land. The action switches between our world and that of Balthasar throughout the story and the merging of the two heightens the tension and the sense of danger in some ways. When Toby returned home after the first adventure he did not realise that Nicodemus Malladain, the evil villain had slipped to earth alongside him. Malladain is utterly bad, driven by greed and a need for absolute power and is central to the storyline. His presence threatens Toby and Tamurlaine’s lives and the future of both worlds. The harnessing of young people’s dreams for ill intent is an interesting concept and the portrayal of this is imaginative, original and frequently chilling
The cast of characters is varied and appealing adding both humanity and occasional wit to the tension and drama. Alfred, Toby’s much loved and all knowing cat features again and when friends Anon, an adolescent half-angel, Burston, a school friend and orphan and refugee, Jinky join him in this world to attempt to defeat Malladain and his evil plans each of the children’s lives change in ways they could not have foreseen.
Although reading Shadow Town adds to the enjoyment of this book I think that it could work as a stand alone with sufficient reference to the backstory included to aid understanding and appreciation. There is a satisfying conclusion to this second instalment however I do feel that the way has been left open for further adventures which would be appreciated by many young readers. Published by Everything With Words for readers aged 11+
Runner Hawk by Michael Egan
“Runner Hawk”, an intriguing title for this YA debut by poet Michael Egan and one that doesn’t give much away about the story itself. The cover illustration by Holly Ovenden has a dream like quality to it and the quote from author Zillah Bethel describes it as, ‘mesmerising, unsettling.’ She is right. It is also deeply affecting and strangely beautiful but above all I think unsettling is the most fitting adjective. Leo, and his story, stayed with me long after I finished reading this.
Told by 17 year old Leo Runner Hawk begins with the moment that he realises something is wrong; that time is playing tricks, that his memories are fading, sometimes he sees things that may not be there and he occasionally feels as though his body is out of his control. When his parents go away on holiday his young uncle, Toby, comes to stay and encourages his nephew to try new experiences. He meets a local girl, Eadie and begins a tentative relationship with her. But Leo is struggling and doesn’t understand why. Gradually he discovers the truth that has been withheld from him for so long and now changes everything for him. Part coming of age story, part crime novel, part science fiction this is a challenging read for an older teen. The writing style immerses the reader in Leo’s experiences in a manner that maximises the emotional impact. The first person narrative and the dialogue without speech marks gives a real feel of immediacy. The publicity material compares the story to Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go and I can understand why. Michael Egan encourages his reader to consider serious questions about humanity, family, love and loss. Published by Everything With Words for 14+.
Welcome to this latest round up of what has been happening in the world of children’s books over the last month. It is impossible to include everything as this would be the most enormous article for you to read so I’ve tried to provide a snapshot of a busy month for you. There are book award announcements, research, resources and some Christmas related items too. I do hope something here is helpful to you.
What I’m reading…
Over the last month my reading has been quite varied. It has included Christmas picture books, a humorous retelling of a festive favourite, four brave children tackling a wicked Fairy Queen, Irish folklore and magic, a graphic novel memoir and a gothic mystery. You can read my reviews of this selection here and there is something for quite an age range included to tempt you.
Usually children’s books that have been sent to me by publishers, authors and publicity agents have to go to the top of the pile but I am trying to find time to read those titles that I’ve been tempted to buy myself but then have languished on my bookshelves for far too long. This week I finally read A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicol. Yes, I know I’m shamefully late to this one! This debut novel created a stir when it was published by Knights Of in 2020 and I can understand why. Told as a first person narrative this affecting story gives a voice to an autistic child, eleven year old Addie. When she learns about the witch trials that took place in her home town in Scotland she is horrified and campaigns for a memorial in their memory to be created. Her experiences as she tries to achieve this, both in school and in her community, show that prejudice against those who are ‘different’ in any way is not confined to history. The story challenges stereotypes and portrays the many ways in which both adults and children can be unpleasant through either ignorance or lack of understanding. Addie’s strength and the support shown by her family, a new friend and a kind teacher balance this well.
News, articles and resources…
THE POWER OF POETRY FOR EMPATHY, WELLBEING & LITERACY: FREE CPD AUTHOR EVENT WITH MATT GOODFELLOW – Flagging this free online event which takes place next week. Hays Education, in collaboration with partners All Around Reading, are delighted to invite you to join them for their FREE online Author-led CPD event which will take place on Wednesday 6th December 2023 from 4.30-6pm. This should be a treat for all the fans Matt Goodfellow’s latest book, The Final Year which has created quite a buzz online!
Virtual School Visit with Katherine Rundell – Schools are invited to join Waterstones (free of charge) online for a very special virtual event with author Katherine Rundell as she presents her spellbinding new novel, Impossible Creatures. Recommended for years 5, 6 and 7. Wednesday 6th December 2023 10:30 – 11:15am.
Yoto Carnegie Nominations Announced – A grand total of 129 books have been nominated for the 2024 Medals. 69 books are in contention for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing which is awarded to a book written in English for children and young people that sparks an outstanding reading experience and 60 books for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration, which celebrates an outstanding reading experience through illustration. This includes 6 titles that have received nominations in both Medal categories. It is interesting to note that several of the nominated titles in both categories are suitable for the primary age group and I will be fascinated to see how many make it on to the long and shortlists.
Malorie Blackman and Krystyna Budzynska to be honoured in Action for Children’s Arts J.M. Barrie Awards 2023 – The annual J.M. Barrie Awards celebrate people and organisations doing outstanding work within children’s arts and whose work, in the view of Action for Children’s Arts will stand the test of time. This year the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to author Malorie Blackman OBE, in a ceremony on 8th November in recognition of her profound contribution to children’s literature.
Books Are My Bag Readers Awards 2023 Winners Announced – Each year, booksellers nominate their favourite books, and shortlists across six categories are curated by a panel from both chain and independent bookshops. Voting is then handed over to the book loving public, with a seventh and final category – Readers’ Choice – chosen entirely by readers. The Children’s Fictionwinner is Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell published by Bloomsbury and the Young Adult Fiction winner is Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher also published by Bloomsbury.
The Libraries for Primaries Campaign – Founded in November 2021 by the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Random House UK, the Libraries for Primaries campaign (formerly the Primary School Library Alliance) is a group of organisations who work to address the lack of investment in primary school libraries. Every primary school deserves a school library. But a shocking 1 in 7 state primary schools in the UK do not have one. The campaign’s recent publication “Unlocking the Power of Reading: How Can Every Child Have Access to a Library at School?” is an important read and can be found here. More information about the campaign can be found on the website above.
Graphic Novels Padlet – Richard Ruddick has recently updated his Padlet which is an excellent resource for those hunting for recommendations for both home and school reading for primary and secondary age. It also includes links to Bookshop.uk.org to enable speedy purchases should something catch your eye!
Book Trust Autumn Term Virtual Author Event with SF Said – if you missed this live event with award winning author SF Said in November you can catch up with the video recording on the Book Trust website linked above. Suitable for: Year groups 5, 6 and 7.
We Wonder: Journey into Space reading challenge – The National Literacy Trust are launching a new reading challenge in January 2024, The We Wonder: Journey into Space STEM reading challenge is aimed at students across the UK aged 7-14 years. Following the framework of read, launch, navigate, students will be tasked with designing their own rocket and planning a journey into space. Exploring a range of fun ideas, this challenge will not only encourage reading for pleasure and reading diversely, it will support disciplinary literacy by increased engagement with non-fiction texts. More information and details of how to register are available on the National Literacy Trust website above.
Books for Keeps Winter Special – Highlights include the Authorgraph interview with Sophie Anderson, Helen Cooper’s Windows into Illustration feature, a guided tour of the British Library’s new fantasy exhibition, and an important new ‘Beyond the Secret Garden’. Plus, discover the books of the year, chosen by a panel of experts and your essential Christmas Gift Guides. All this and reviews of the best new children’s books.
BBC Radio4: Analysis – Can Reading Really Improve Your Life – What can schools, government, the media and parents do to help foster a love of reading that could help children throughout their lives? Author and former Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson investigates. With contributions from Frank Cottrell Boyce, Joseph Coelho, Teresa Cremin, Joanna Prior, Laura Patel, Leia Sands, Ben Lawrence and Sonia Thompson this is excellent and well worth a listen.
Nero Book Awards 2023 – Shortlists Announced – Launched in May 2023, the Nero Book Awards celebrate the outstanding books of the past 12 months across four award categories: Children’s Fiction, Debut Fiction, Fiction and Non-Fiction.The Children’s Fiction category covers books aimed at young readers aged 9-15 and the shortlist of four titles was chosen by a panel of judges made up of authors, booksellers and journalists.
The Portable Magic Dispenser: Ideas for your Library & Classroom – the latest newsletter from school librarian Lucas Maxwell includes tips for library lessons, how Dungeons and Dragons can help you and book chat. It’s definitely worth signing up for this regular resource.
Children’s and teens roundup – the best new picture books and novels – A poetic Advent calendar, warming words from Neil Gaiman, a magnificent menagerie and a sinister secret Santa feature in Imogen Russell Williams latest selection for the Guardian. Imogen’s reviews always tempt me!
Malorie Blackman’s career honoured in British Library exhibition – Show dedicated to the prolific children’s and young adult novelist includes 82 rejection letters alongside her children’s laureate medal and runs from 24 November 2023 to 25 February 2024. It is free to visit.
School Library Association Announces Winners of 2023 Information Book Award – the winners of this year’s SLA Information Book Award were announced recently at a ceremony held at the central London offices of award sponsors Hachette Children’s Group. A panel of judges choose the winners for each of the three age categories and from these an Overall Winner is selected. It is great to see children and teens given the opportunity to have their say by voting in the Children’s Choice Award. Many congratulations to all the winners and you can find out which books won each category on the SLA website above.
BooksForTopics has partnered with Support Your School to help schools fund book packs – Books for Topics has shared news of a new fundraising initiative to help schools fund packs of their books to boost reading for pleasure. They have found that their Year Group Recommended Reading lists are among the most popular booklists on their website. Whilst schools can already purchase full sets of these books via Peters at 20% discount, not all schools are in the financial position to be able to afford to purchase new books. By registering with Support Your School a free fundraising platform, schools can raise money through donations from the local community to support their literacy and reading for pleasure mission. You can read more about this initiative via the link above.
The Reader Teacher Christmas Gift Giving Guides – Scott Evans has compiled helpful lists for different ages from 3+ to 9+ including a range of classic titles, new books, poetry, picturebooks and information books for people looking for ideas for Christmas presents. All the lists are downloadable in poster format too.
Books for Topics Christmas Book Gift Guide 2023 – Another helpful guide. Books make a superb choice of Christmas gifts for children. From timeless bedtime stories and curious information books to festive favourites and glorious gift books, Books for Topics have selected their top recommendations for book gifts for children in their primary years. Each of the guides includes purchasing links and a printable PDF version to share.
CLPE Survey of Ethnic Representation within UK Children’s Literature (November 2023) – the 6th annual Reflecting Realities report was published this week. For context, this survey should not be read in isolation, but in conjunction with the previous five publications however there is welcome news in that there has been 26% rise from the first report indicating that there are significantly more representative titles available to young readers now than 6 years ago. The report suggests areas for improvement & celebrates exemplary titles making this an important read for anyone interested in children’s books in any capacity.
The Poetry By Heart Festive Showcase – Every winter Poetry By Heart, the national poetry speaking competition for schools, creates a special gift of poetry. The Poetry By Heart Festive Poetry Showcase is a digital anthology of poems – classic and contemporary, perfect to read, share and learn by heart at Christmas. With twenty-four featured poems, it’s a complete poetry advent calendar. There are much loved classics and contemporary poems too each supported by information about the poet and tips to help you learn them by heart. Find out more on the website above.
Waterstones Book of the Year – Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell was announced as the Waterstones Book of the Year 2023 this week . Alice Winn’s In Memoriam scooped Novel of the Year, whilst Murdle by G.T. Karber is named Gift of the Year. It’s exciting to a children’s book recognised in this way. There is a video interview with Katherine Rundell available on the link above.
Peace On Earth Free e-book – The simply beautiful picture book ‘Peace On Earth’ has been released as a FREE ebook to be read online up until Dec 22nd. David Lichfield, Smriti Halls and Walker Books want to share the book’s hopeful message as far and wide as possible. Huge thanks for their generosity. You can read the book via the link above.
Finally, some book reviews that caught my eye recently…
Do You Remember? By Sydney Smith – in my last Reading Matters round up I mentioned Nikki Gamble’s wonderful Audience With this award wining author and illustrator and I now have a copy of the book itself. It is, I think, a book that stirs up complex emotions and somehow Martin Galway has captured this aspect in his wonderful review for Just Imagine.
That’s all for this month and for 2023. I hope that Reading Matters has been useful and enjoyable for you over the year and thank you to regular readers who provide welcome encouragement and occasional book chat.
Christmas picture books, a humorous retelling of a festive favourite, four brave children tackling a wicked Fairy Queen, Irish folklore and magic, a graphic novel memoir and a gothic mystery make up my November reading.I hope there is something here that is suitable for the young readers in your life.
As Christmas approaches no doubt both families and schools are now thinking about preparations for the festive season. During the last month I have read and reviewed a selection of picturebooks that take a sometimes humorous and sometimes reflective look at Christmas preparations. A robot reindeer, a robin with criminal tendencies, friendship tested and preparations changed all feature in the selection, but all, thankfully, have a happy festive ending.
Over the last few years How Winston Delivered Christmas, Winston Came Home for Christmas and The Grumpus have become a welcome feature of the Advent season for both families and schools. This year Alex T Smith has produced another lavishly illustrated tale but this time taking a rather different approach to a Christmas classic, The Nutcracker. Told over 24 and a half chapters The Nutcracker: And the Mouse King’s Christmas Shenanigans (Macmillan) is a magical delight. On Christmas Eve as Clara and her little brother Fritz settle down for Herr Drosselmeyer’s magic show they do not anticipate the adventure that will follow. First one of the toys comes to life and then they learn that The Mouse King is up to no good and is determined to ruin Christmas. Clara, Fritz and their new friend Walter the Nutcracker are equally determined to stop his shenanigans. It is a race against time to reach the Kingdom of Sweets and release the Sugar Plum Fairy who is the only one who can release Fritz from the evil curse put upon him. There are some lovely inclusive touches in both the text and the illustrations and there is a delightful pantomime feel to this jolly adventure. This is an absolute treat to read aloud and would work equally well as bedtime story or class room read-aloud with nail biting chapter endings, wonderful, amusing illustrations, brilliant characters and a thoughtfully executed ending. Maybe there will be another instalment next year? I do hope so. Children from about 5 will enjoy listening to this and I suspect this is another book that will be returned to each Christmas.
Glassborn by Peter Bunzl, (Usborne) the standalone sequel to Magicborn, is a treat of a read. A story in the best tradition of children’s literature, a magical, historical fantasy tale of riddles and curses, secrets, spells and excitement set in an icy world ruled by a wicked Fairy Queen and featuring four brave children. Glassborn is a captivating story with literary connections to Narnia and Bronte and containing so much hope in its pages. The plot is engrossing with some tense cliffhangers and is told from the point of view of both Acton and his older sister Cora, both of whom are likeable protagonists. The story incorporates the deep emotions of loss and grief but also love and hope. There are some poignant moments but Peter Bunzl ensures that his readers end on a note of hopeful optimism. You can read my full review here. Suitable for readers aged about 9+ .
Magic, Irish folklore and language blend with contemporary modern issues of bullying, social class and environment in The Silver Road by Sinéad O’Hart (Piccadilly). When Rose is entrusted with a powerful stone by a Frost Giant, she is swept into an adventure full of danger. The stone can be used for great good or great evil, depending on its keeper. It leads Rose to discover the magic that runs through all of Ireland. A magic that is threaded together beneath the land: the Silver Road. But the Silver Road is under threat. Sinéad O’Hart’s love of Ireland, its tradition, legends, people and language are evident in every page of this enticing story. The voice of Rose as a protagonist balances the traditional and the modern beautifully and conveys the importance of our connections with both our past and each other eloquently. This is fantasy and folklore for a modern readership building to an exciting and cinematic finale. I was willing the delightful Rose on from the first page to the last. For readers of 9 upwards.
The popularity of graphic novels continues to rise and I was keen to try the first graphic novel published by Guppy Books, MexiKid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martín. The storytelling voice in this autobiographical book is engaging and full of humour and yet this coming of age story is also moving in ways I did not expect. The young Pedro chronicles the road trip his family took in the 1970s with his family from California to Mexico to bring his abuelito (grandfather) back to America to live with them. The stories about Pedro’s legendary grandfather have raised him to superhero status in the young boy’s mind so the reader is keen to meet this elderly gentleman too. The focus on family, belonging, tradition, culture, identity and history is incorporated cleverly within the jokes and the sibling banter and MexiKid will teach readers much about Mexico. This is added to by the real-life photos of Martín’s family, and several pages of questions and answers about his life at the end of the book. The vibrant artwork is brilliant and ‘reading’ the illustrations is as entertaining as the text and there are Spanish phrases throughout with translations at the foot of page.. A memoir that will make its readers laugh but also containing poignant moments dealing with family loss. Recommended for about 10+.
As the evenings lengthen and winter draws in many teen readers may turn to darker subject matter and Nicholas Bowling’s new gothic mystery would fit the bill perfectly. The Undying of Obedience Wellrest ( Chicken House) is a story of magic, death and science with quite the most arresting opening sentence I have read for a long time. Although not my usual reading fare I found this both compelling and thought provoking. Ned works as a gravedigger with his grandfather and his quiet life is disrupted when graves start being disturbed and a young woman, Obedience, or Bede as she is known, starts spending time at the cemetery. Prompted by her research into her ancestor, Herbert, Bede is dedicated to science and is strongly resisting her father’s wish to marry Phineas Mordaunt, a man also intrigued by the scientific world. As the mystery deepens before it gradually unfolds with dramatic consequences this story is not for the faint hearted but does have a mesmerising appeal. For readers of 13+ this would prompt discussion about the treatment of women in science during this historical period, the limits of science and our understanding of death. Strange, dark and unsettling but Ned and Bede are convincing narrators and there are some memorable characters. This would probably be a good book club read for teen readers.
Start Small, Think Big is a brand new series from Mama Makes Books, an independent publisher launched in 2020. This month, National Non-Fiction November marks a celebration of the best information books for children available at the moment. I am impressed with the quality of this particular series and was delighted to be invited to take part in the blog tour this week Unfolding A World of Discovery!
Start Small, Think Big: Small, Speckled Egg by Mary Auld illustrations by Anne Terreros-Martin
This is the first book in the series and from the moment a child opens the textured cover with the peep-through hole, they will be transported to the Arctic. The reader follows the journey of an Arctic Tern from egg, to fluffy chick to fully grown adult bird discovering more about the bird and its life cycle as they read. We see the chick grow up quickly, learning to fly and feed on the wing. When still young the chick is ready to embark on a migration from the top of the world to the bottom and back again for the first time. The bird’s life story is told clearly and carefully in a way that builds understanding.
The clear text is accompanied by beautiful illustrations and the presentation is inviting and uncluttered. The way in which the narrative can be read by both emerging readers and those with greater reading confidence is well done broadening the audience appeal. The main text is written in the first-person for emerging readers, and additional information is presented for confident readers or shared reading. There is a stunning fold out map at the end of the book incorporating a world map of showing nesting grounds and migration route, a pictorial life cycle, and a polar i-spy game encouraging children to find animals and birds within the book. Small, Speckled Egg would be invaluable in primary school libraries and classrooms both for reading enjoyment and as an aid to the Science curriculum.
There are free comprehensive downloadable activity sheets (suitable for home and schools) available of the publisher’s website here.
Start Small, Think Big: Little, Brown Nut by Mary Auld illustrations by Dawn Cooper
Following the same format as its predecessor the peep through hole takes us deep into the Amazon Rainforest to learn about the Brazil nut tree, one of the tallest in the forest. We see a huge fruit falling from the tallest tree and an agouti, a small rodent, frees the nut inside from its hard casing and and then buries it in the ground. This small seed is forgotten and germinates and we then follow it on its journey to full growth learning how it is used by other animals and its place in the life cycle of the forest.
The beautiful illustrations are clear and full of information enabling children to learn about seed dispersal, photosynthesis, pollination and the rainforest alongside the detail contained in the text. The narrative is again presented at two levels of reading ability, thoughtfully executed and adding to the enjoyment possibilities rather than confusing the reader. A child could learn a great deal from this book packed with facts. The fold out map depicts South America and its countries plus the position of the Amazon rainforest, the life cycle of the Brazil nut tree and rainforest animals to spot and identify within the book. Little Brown Nut continues the themes and learning offered in the first book of this impressive series covering primary science topics and definitely deserves a place in primary school libraries and classroom.
Once again there are free, comprehensive downloadable activity sheets (suitable for home and schools) available on the publisher’s website here.
If you have missed any of the earlier posts on the blog tour celebrating this new series of children’s books or want to read forthcoming posts the details of where to find them are given below.
Library Lady 