The Happy Hedgerow by Elena Mannion illustrated by Erin Brown

Posted on September 3, 2021 by alibrarylady

The Happy Hedgerow is a thoughtful exploration of a part of the countryside many of us take for granted. Through lyrical text and beautiful illustrations this lovely picture book reminds us of the wildlife hiding within these bushes and the benefits the humble hedgerow bring to our landscape. The Happy Hedgerow will encourage children to protect these important nature reserves and learn more about the role they play in our natural environment.

Cover by Erin Brown

In the heart of the countryside Old Oak lives happy and fulfilled next to the barley field. Over the years since Old Oak was a small tree his branches have reached out to the Blackthorn and the Hawthorn alongside him. As time passes their branches have reached each other and come together to form one hedgerow. Old Oak cares kindly for the insect life and small birds who wander through his branches and the creatures who burrow within his roots. The birds carry messages to his friend Beech at the far hedgerow on the other side of the field. The two hedgerows provide shelter and food and protect the field from soil erosion. However one day the farmer pulls up the far hedgerow and Old Oak is dismayed and watches as this action has an impact on the field and its inhabitants. He tries to help but he cannot do it all on his own. Will a new farmer put things right?

Illustration by Erin Brown

This is a beautiful book with a traditional feel that increases the poignancy of the story itself. The text is gentle and full of warmth capturing the sense of Old Oak as a wise and kind father figure to the other inhabitants of the farm. Elena Mannion incorporates the names of the birds and the bushes enabling children to learn to identify them as they read. Erin Brown’s illustrations are gorgeous and depict nature in all its wonder with a rich palette and superb detail. The autumnal hues glow on the page.

Illustration by Erin Brown

This is a valuable picture book and a welcome reminder of the important role our hedgerows have in our natural landscape. From my own experience living in the suburbs I know that our hedgerows have been destroyed for new building projects. Only this year my local community managed to save a small stretch of historic hedgerow from being uprooted. Happy Hedgerow is both a lovely story to share with young children and a way of increasing understanding of the function and importance of this unsung wildlife habitat.

Hedgelink is a partnership that brings everyone interested in hedgerows together, to share knowledge and ideas, to encourage and inspire, and to work with farmers and other land managers to conserve and enhance our hedgerow heritage. They have a range of educational resources that would work well with this book that you can browse on their website. The resources include this comprehensive downloadable worksheet.

I should like to thank the Elena Mannion and Pikku Publishing for my review copy which is going to be an important addition to our family bookshelves. Happy Hedgerow is published on 2nd September and is available to purchase online or via your local independent book shop which can be found on this map.

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Children’s Books – a summer reading round up

Posted on September 1, 2021 by alibrarylady

In the absence of my weekly Reading Matters news letter I decided to take the opportunity to tackle my mountains of books that I had not had time to read. Did I succeed? Well, sort of… There are still many wonderful books waiting to be read but I have read some real crackers over the last few weeks so I thought recommend just some of them now.

As a child and now as an adult I do have a particular fondness for historical fiction. Hide and Seek by Robin Scott-Elliot is powerful historical fiction inspired by reality, by the lives of those whose bravery we cannot begin to imagine & whose dedication we should never forget. A Second World War story on an aspect of the war not often covered in fiction for young people, it is one of my favourite reads of 2021 so far. Sometimes fiction can educate as well as entertain and The Royal Rebel: The Life of Suffragette Princess Sophia Duleep Singh by Bali Rai was an enlightening story and one I’m so glad I’ve read. The life of an extraordinary woman who was both a refugee and an ‘outsider’ but also a suffragette and a philanthropist.

Kiran Millwood Hargrave is a writer whose style I greatly admire and both The Way Past Winter and The Island at the End of Everything left a lasting impact on me. Her latest book, published on 2nd September, is a collaboration with her husband, Tom de Freston is Julia and the Shark. It is a stunning book. It’s one you want to talk about with friends as soon as you’ve finished reading it, different in style from Hargrave’s previous books but equally breathtaking. The words and art working together to convey emotions in a special way.

Another stand out book for me over the last few weeks was Black and British – A Short Essential History by David Olusoga, the revised edition for teens. I had been intending to buy the original version of this for some time but while on a day out with my sister we discovered a small independent bookshop in Wadhurst and I couldn’t resist calling in for a browse. I’m so glad I did as this impulse buy has greatly increased my understanding and awareness. This would be an excellent purchase for secondary schools.

Another valuable nonfiction book that I have read recently is This Book is Cruelty Free: Animals and Us by Linda Newbery, an informative and eye opening guide for older children and teens told in an accessible and conversational style. For young children a lovely book that encourages them to notice and appreciate wildlife is Lottie Loves Nature: Bird Alert by Jane Clarke illustrated by James Brown. This is an entertaining blend of fact and fiction full of helpful detail and practical tips.

Also for younger readers The Book Cat by Polly Faber and Clara Vulliamy is pitched perfectly for its target audience and is a delight of a story. It’s sure to convert even the most reluctant to both books and cats! Just right for newly independent readers and I think it would be great read aloud for Years 2 and 3 also. For perfect ‘curl up in the corner with a book’ enjoyment I can recommend How to Be Brave by Daisy May Johnson. Take the best of traditional school stories & blend with eccentric but hugely likeable nuns, add a dash of ducks, mix in a few brave girls and you have the recipe for a winner. Returning to historical fiction I also thoroughly enjoyed Mystery of the Night Watchers by A M Howell which has a relevance today and I found the lead character, Nancy, extremely appealing. Amy Wilson’s latest, Lightning Falls, is an example of a world building that transports the reader to another place. The haunted house in this story really came to life for me and another brilliant character in Valerie.

Regular readers of the blog will know how highly I rate Barrington Stoke and their impressive range of titles. Know My Place is the first of Eve Ainsworth’s books for them that I have read and it is a sensitive story about a teenager searching for home and family. An empathetic read for teens and highly recommended for secondary schools for discussion.

Picture books have been shared with the youngest member of my extended family over the summer which is a lovely excuse for me to read them too. Not that I really need one! What if, Pig? remains a firm favourite and Ready, Steady, School is perfect as she starts Reception class this week. I also have a bit of a soft spot for The Longer the Wait, the Bigger the Hug.

There are several other brilliant books with reviews in the pipeline so I must quickly mention Freeze by Chris Priestley, a horror story which rapidly escalates from a little uncomfortable to downright chilling. It would be perfect for the approaching dark evenings! Also The Puffin Portal by Vashti Hardy, a brilliant steampunk adventure and an entertaining and enjoyable sequel to The Griffin Gate. Also a couple of lovely picture books; The Happy Hedgerow and Lulu’s Sleepover. Watch this space for reviews coming soon.

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Flying Eye Books – stunning information books for children

Posted on August 31, 2021 by alibrarylady

Publishers Flying Eye have acquired a reputation for producing eye catching books packed with detail that make learning appealing to children. A browse through their latest catalogue is hugely tempting and here are two of their recent titles that would be perfect for school library, classroom and home bookshelves.

Amazon River by Sangma Francis and Romulo D’Hipolito

Amazon River is a beautifully illustrated book following the journey of the world’s largest river from its tiny beginnings in the mountains until it flows into the ocean. Packed full of facts, stunning illustrations and details of flora, fauna, indigenous people, life on the river and more besides this comprehensive guide will satisfy the most curious child.

Amazon River cover illustration by Romolo D’Hipolito

The introduction provides a welcome that invites the reader to explore ‘Nature’s Palace’ and from then on the book is divided into sections covering the many different aspects of the Amazon. From Source to Sea charts the journey including the different types of water and a look at the water cycle itself; Wildlife of the Riverbank describes the ecosystem of the river and the various creatures large and small which inhabit the river and its surroundings; in People of the Forest we meet the ancient civilisations and some of the many different societies; Life on the River incorporates everything from fishing to the city of Manaus and ends with the work done by climate activists.

The presentation of all this information is excellent. Large colourful illustrations demand time and focus to explore them properly and this is a book to savour. This would be wonderful to browse for general interest but includes fascinating facts that may surprise such as the recent discovery of the Hamza River that flows four kilometres down beneath the surface of the Amazon. The book asks questions too and encourages young readers to think about the natural world and its protection and our connection to it. A visually stunning book with enough information to satisfy the most curious of children. Perfect for Upper KS2 for cross-curricular study.

Curious Creatures: Glowing in the Dark by Zoe Armstrong illustrated by Anna Susanj

Curious Creatures: Glowing in the Dark takes a look at some of the most interesting animals that live on our planet. Those featured including fireflies, angler fish, sea turtles and squirrels all have something in common; they glow! The introduction explains how and why this happens and the difference between bioluminescence, created by chemical reaction, and biofluorescence, transforming ultraviolet light. The reader then discovers the many different types of animals with these features and their habitats; we explore the deep oceans, the forests and caves learning as we go. This is all presented in language that primary school children will understand and comparisons and examples from everyday life enable children to relate to the subject more easily.

Curious Creatures Glowing in the Dark cover illustration by Anna Susanj

It is a thoughtful touch to mention that ‘bioflurescence is something of a mystery – like a language we haven’t learned yet.’ Children will enjoy realising that adults are still learning too, even scientists. The book finishes with a section explaining that these creatures are inspiring humans to find new ways to save energy which is an encouraging note to end on. This is an extremely engaging information book about a subject that children will probably find intriguing. Full of wonder and presented in a lively manner with appealing illustrations this deserves a place in all primary schools.

Both these books are available to purchase on the Flying Eye Books website and I should like to thank the publishers for providing my review copies.

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This Book is Cruelty Free: Animals and Us by Linda Newbery

Posted on August 30, 2021 by alibrarylady

This Book is Cruelty Free is the first non-fiction book written by author Linda Newbery, best known for her award winning young adult novel Set in Stone. She has been a long term supporter of various welfare and environmental organisations and has been a vegetarian since her twenties. Her latest book is an informative and eye opening guide for older children and teens told in an accessible and conversational style that never feels either preaching or didactic in tone. This would be an excellent purchase for schools providing both facts and a prompt for discussion and further study.

Illustrations by Josephine Skapari Designer Sarah Crookes

Children and young people are in many ways leading the conversation about the human impact on our environment and wildlife and this book is perfect for providing them with background information and support in making choices for themselves. Linda Newbery provides an opportunity for the reader to reflect on their lifestyle and offers ideas for small steps that can make a difference. The information is presented very much as a guide and prompt rather than a list of ‘must dos’ and this gives the book a wide appeal and broad range of uses in schools.

There are sections on our diet and food, cruelty free fashion and beauty, the role of zoos and animal parks, waste and recycling and encouragement to understand the role of nature and wildlife in our personal well being. The use of infographics, illustrations and large headings highlighting important points increases the accessibility and appeal to young readers. Linda Newbery provides tips on how to respond to criticism, useful advice on promoting the topic and how to campaign safely. At the end of the book a list of helpful organisations and websites are provided plus places to find tasty vegetarian and vegan recipes.

This is a thought provoking, interesting and informative read for teens and adults too and could also be used effectively by primary school teachers. I particularly like the way the reader is encouraged to feel as though each tiny step helps. The subject is framed as a discussion rather than an instruction. It makes it feel less overwhelming and allows the young person reading to feel empowered to make their own choices and to enter into reasoned discussion on the subject, which can sometimes be an emotive one.

I should like to thank Pavillion Books and Catherine Ward for providing my review copy. This Book is Cruelty Free was published on 8th July and is available to purchase online or at your nearest independent book shop which can be found on this map.

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Hide and Seek by Robin Scott-Elliot

Posted on August 27, 2021 by alibrarylady

Hide and Seek, Robin Scott-Elliot’s third children’s book, is powerful historical fiction inspired by reality, by the lives of those whose bravery we cannot begin to imagine and whose dedication we should never forget. This is a World War 2 story told with respect and skill prompting emotions from sorrow to admiration as the reader become engrossed in this tense and enthralling adventure.

Cover illustration by Holly Ovenden

It is Summer, 1942 in Paris and thirteen-year-old Amélie Dreyfus is playing hide and seek with her family in their city centre apartment . She is scrunched up in her favourite hiding place at the back of her mother’s wardrobe when she hears the banging and thumping of German soldiers arriving. When all is quiet again and Amélie comes out of the wardrobe her world has changed. Her family have been taken away by the Nazis and Amelie is all alone. She now has to learn how to survive but Amélie also decides to fight back.

The young girl hiding in the wardrobe, the feel of a fur coat next to her is, to many readers, reminiscent of the Narnian adventure in which a child finds herself in another world, so the opening chapter of Hide and Seek has that sense of familiarity to it. However although Amélie finds a different world when she opens the wardrobe door it is one that scares rather than excites her. Without her family she must find a way to fend for herself in Nazi occupied Paris alone. Amélie spends time hiding in the quiet of one of the city’s museums where she is befriended by Cecile, the curator, and also a member of the French resistance.

Under Cecile’s guidance Amélie becomes a member of the local group and eventually finds herself travelling to London and Scotland to be trained and sent back to France under a new identity to take part in ever more dangerous missions. Over the three years we accompany her we watch as Amélie grows up far faster than she should, takes on different identities and risks her life to save others. Her childhood game of hide and seek has taken on a much more sinister and dangerous role in her life.

The suspense and tension throughout this story is well written and there are several real ‘heart in the mouth’ moments when as a reader I feared for both Amélie and her friends and allies. The atmosphere of fear and anxiety amongst those who are terrified of discovery by the Nazis is conveyed with skill and within a few pages one feels a bond with Amélie and understands her love of and concern for the family she has lost. The rumours of what has happened to the Jewish families who have been forcibly put on the trains travelling eastwards are present in the background of this adventure which focuses attention on an aspect of the Second World War that does not often feature in children’s fiction. This is both a gripping and tense story and a powerful tribute to those who risked their lives to save others.

Robin Scott-Elliott’s book was inspired by resistance fighters such as Stephen Grady, a British-French schoolboy resistance fighter and female agents such as Violette Szabo, Simone Segouin and Noor Inayat Khan. A photograph of Simone as a teenage girl taken during the liberation of Paris started the author on his path to creating Amélie and as a character she has an authenticity that encourages the reader to care. As I read I felt that I could see her and she came to represent all the brave resistance fighters to me, which I imagine is what Robin Scott- Elliott may have hoped for.

The ending is both powerful and hopeful. It would be impossible to write a story about this period and these people without incorporating loss but this is sensitively handled and the final chapters are, I think, an extremely moving piece of writing. Hide and Seek asks questions about trust, identity and survival and would be an excellent book for readers of 11+ and could be shared in the classroom at KS3 to accompany teaching of WW2 in Europe and the Holocaust.

I should like to thank Fritha Lindqvist and the publishers, Everything With Words for my review copy. Hide and Seek was published on 12th August.

The range of children’s literature set during the Second World War is extensive but I can recommend Anna at War by Helen Peters in which a young Jewish girl is transported to England and safety as part of the Kindertransport programme, After the War by Tom Palmer tells the story of the Jewish children sent to the Lake District after the end of the war and of course When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr is a classic children’s WW2 book and needs no introduction.

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Making Facts Fun: Interview with a Shark & Other Ocean Giants Too written by Andy Seed and illustrated by Nick East

Posted on August 25, 2021 by alibrarylady

Interview with a Shark is a book filled with facts but presented in a way that children will find entertaining and fun. It features ten extraordinary ocean creatures and covers everything from their habits and behaviour to their favourite foods.

Interview With a Shark cover illustration by Nick East

Andy Seed has written numerous information books for children, including The Silly Book of Side-Splitting Stuff, which won the 2015 Blue Peter Best Book with Facts Award, and he has proved that he knows how to engage young readers with facts presented in a slightly different way. In this second title in the Interview With series he introduces children to his ‘tranimalator’ which enables him to talk to the animals. A useful skill! Each creature is interviewed in a Q&A format that frequently involves jokes and wisecracks from both the animals and the interviewer. The different creatures also have quite distinct personalities too which adds to the fun.

The format enables the information to be presented in bite sized chunks of text ensuring that this does not look overwhelming for both less confident and slightly reluctant readers. The appealing and colourful illustrations by Nick East also help to encourage children and are inviting but with sufficient detail for readers to be able to visualise the creatures’ appearance.

Among the sea animals and fish ‘interviewed’ in addition to the bull shark, are the giant squid, the octopus, the blue whale, the manta ray and several more. Andy Seed also incorporates the theme of conservation with a section titled, “How you can help.” that encourages children to visit the seaside, look after our beaches, help prevent pollution and learn more about the lives of these special animals. Finally there is a quiz for children to check their knowledge after finishing the book.

This is an information book for browsing, for sharing and for reading aloud. It would probably work as a paired reading activity in the classroom too. Pitched at a target audience aged 6-9 I think this would be popular in the primary school library, it’s the sort of book that children enjoy discovering together.

I should like to thank Laura Smythe and Welbeck Publishing for my review copy. Interview with a Shark was published in May 2021 and can be purchased at your local independent bookshop or online.

If this book prompts young readers to try to find out more I would suggest a couple of excellent titles from Flying Eye Books, Professor Astro Cat’s Deep Sea Voyage by Dr Dominic Walliman and Ben Newman and Obsessive About Octopuses by Owen Davey which you can read about here

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The Book Cat by Polly Faber illustrated by Clara Vulliamy

Posted on August 23, 2021 by alibrarylady

The Book Cat is the latest collaboration from the duo who brought us the Mango and Bambang series and although rather different in content it still contains that same feeling of kindness and friendship. Set in wartime London in the middle of the Blitz this book is inspired by a real life cat. And not just any cat, a literary cat. Morgan, the star of this story, made his home in the Faber and Faber offices and was also the inspiration for one of the poems in T S Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.

Morgan’s story is told in engaging style by Polly Faber accompanied by charming illustrations by Clara Vulliamy that capture the personalities of Morgan and his feline chums. Morgan is a young cat all alone on the city streets learning to fend for himself until by chance he finds himself a new home in the Faber publishing house offices. Gradually Morgan learns about the literary world and soon becomes the best literary cat around. As the bombing of the city intensifies Morgan takes on the daunting task of finding safe homes away from London for a large number of the neighbourhood kittens. The indefatigable Morgan has a cunning plan.

Polly Faber is the granddaughter of Geoffrey Faber and first learnt of the existence of Morgan through letters she received from her grandfather who apparently described him as “a very large, black, heavy and affectionate CAT.” Morgan’s story is introduced by the author with mentions of her own two literary cats, Alan and Babs. These two also provide the postscript which is a neat touch. It is probably time to confess that I am more of a dog person myself but am easily swayed by cats with such wonderful names. I was also converted by Morgan himself who is quite a character. From a little scrap of a kitten to a majestic father figure to the local cats the reader accompanies Morgan on his journey through life. It is a satisfying and enjoyable experience.

This is a beautiful package of a book cleverly designed to appeal to young readers. The solid larger style hardback with its beautiful cover is both eye catching and evocative of the story within. Clara Vulliamy’s delightful illustrations encourage the reader to linger and look more closely and convey both the joyful exuberance of the young cats and life in the streets and offices of wartime London. The limited palette of red, black and white works well and every page contains appealing vignettes, full page pictures or sometimes little paw prints wandering across the edges.

This is pitched perfectly for its intended audience and would be a wonderful book for a newly independent reader. The chapters, with appropriate headings such as Cat Burglar, Planner Cat and Victory Cat, are of a manageable length and are presented with large areas of white space and illustrations ensuring that it does not look overwhelming. It would work brilliantly read aloud too. This is a delight of a story to be enjoyed by many and would convert even the most reluctant to both cats and books!

I should like to thank Faber for providing my free review copy. The Book Cat is published on 26th August and is available to purchase either online or at your nearest independent bookshop which can be found on this map. If young readers are looking for other stories featuring resourceful cats they may like to try Toto the Ninja Cat and the Superstar Catastrophe by Dermot O’Leary illustrated by Nick East.

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Mystery of the Night Watchers by A. M. Howell

Posted on August 16, 2021 by alibrarylady

Mystery of the Night Watchers is an engrossing story of secrets, lies, sisters and a desire for justice and truth set against the back drop of a global historical event.

Cover illustration by Saara Söderlund

Set in 1910 in the days before Halley’s Comet’s appearance there is a mix of excitement, speculation, fear and anticipation spreading throughout Edwardian England. Fuelled by dramatic newspaper headlines there are rumours and conflicting opinions circulating with some profiteering from the uncertainty.

Against this dramatic backdrop twelve year old Nancy has her own problems. For several days her mother has been behaving differently to normal and Nancy is worried about what this may mean. Her worries prove to have been well founded when on the way to school one morning her mother shepherds Nancy and her little sister, Violet to the station instead. Uprooted from her home in Leeds and separated from her stepfather Nancy finds herself in a town in Suffolk with a grandfather she thought was dead. The explanation that her grandfather is unwell and as an enthusiastic astronomer needs assistance viewing the comet is quickly proved incorrect. Nancy’s mother tells the sisters that must stay inside, draw the curtains and not be seen and subsequently starts creeping out during the night with her grandfather. As the mysteries and secrets mount Nancy grows steadily more curious and her attempts to discover the truth put the whole family in danger.

A M Howell builds up the tension well in this enjoyable story. From the opening lines the reader is made aware that all is not well and gradually alongside Nancy we discover little by little that much has been kept secret over the years. I quickly warmed to Nancy. She is in some ways a product of her time; obedient and loyal to her parents but intelligent and curious too so that her development into a brave and resourceful protagonist feels both believable and admirable. Her strong sense of social justice and support for the suffragist movement add an extra dimension to her character and an important historical context.

Although Nancy takes a lead role in the adventure her relationship to the other characters is key to the story. Her new friend, Burch, the delivery boy, helps Nancy and Violet as they work together to try to discover the truth. The development in this friendship is paralleled by the growing bond between Nancy and her grandfather. There is kindness, loyalty, bravery and perseverance running through this absorbing adventure and this creates a rewarding reading experience. As an elder sister myself I particularly enjoyed the bond between Nancy and Violet and how this altered as the story progressed.

There are several interesting themes explored by A M Howell. The presentation and interpretation of the news and the manner in which fear and suspicion is whipped up among the population has a resonance today. It would make an excellent starting point for discussions on the subject of Facts Matter and the need for trustworthy sources of information. The idea of truth and whether it is ever right to lie in order to protect someone, particularly children, is key to this story in some ways and would give young readers something to think about or discuss in the classroom. Finally, without giving away too much of the plot, we see in the villain of the piece how the abuse of power can cause misery and hardship for many.

Mystery of the Night Watchers is the sort of book that could convert children to historical fiction, it is exciting, brimming with historical detail that adds to its appeal yet with characters and themes that are relevant today. I must also mention the beautiful cover illustration by Saara Söderlund, her motifs at the start of each chapter and of course the map. Every good story needs a map! This has been promoted as perfect for lovers of novels by Emma Carroll and I am inclined to agree. Judith Eagle’s The Pear Affair although set later in time is another great mystery story that you may also like to try.

I should like to thank the publishers, Usborne and Fritha Lindqvist for my review copy. Mystery of the Night Watchers was published on 8th July. There is a range of links to resources and information about Edwardian times, Halley’s Comet and other aspects of life featured in the book available on the Usborne website.

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Black and British – A Short Essential History by David Olusoga

Posted on August 14, 2021 by alibrarylady

Historian and broadcaster David Olusoga’s book Black and British has been revised and rewritten especially for teen readers in this edition published last year. An informative and enlightening read, Black and British – A Short Essential History is perfect for secondary school libraries and an excellent introduction to the subject for adults. This book was the winner of the British Book Awards Children’s Illustrated and Non-fiction Book of the Year in May of this year.

Cover design by Emily Courdelle

Starting with the Roman Africans who helped guard Hadrian’s Wall Olusoga takes the reader up to the present day incorporating details of Black people in the Tudor Court, the effect of the American Civil war and two world wars plus the arrival of the Windrush. This is told in a readable narrative style presented with maps, illustrations, photos and a useful glossary supporting the information. The text and the tone is both accessible for teen readers and an excellent introduction for adults.

The way in which events, political movements, economics and the use of power, have connected countries and people through hundreds of years is portrayed in a concise manner. We learn about the slave trade, the Abolitionists, the Industrial Revolution and the colonisation of Africa. However history is not only about the huge national and international moments, it is about people, notably individuals who may make a difference through their actions or their experiences. This book is full of these individual stories and it is this, I think, that gives it even greater impact. Learning about John Blanke, a trumpeter in Henry VIII’s court, Olaudah Equiano and Ottobah Cugoano who wrote important 18th century abolitionist books and Walter Tull who fought in the First World War for example, brings history to life for the reader.

The author provides a clear overview of the presence of Black people in Britain throughout history, something that has been missing from the history curriculum. This excellent book asks questions and provides answers and, presented in a clear and concise style, will educate and enlighten its readers. Books such as this one can do much to combat ignorance, increase understanding and tackle racism. The publishers, Macmillan Children’s Books, are donating 50p from every copy sold to The Black Curriculum a social enterprise founded in 2019 by Lavinya Stennett to address the lack of Black British history in the UK Curriculum.

This was a fascinating read and I would highly recommend it as an essential purchase for secondary school libraries. It would also be helpful for teachers at both secondary and primary level. Black and British – A Short Essential History by David Olusoga was published in October 2020. I bought my copy at Barnett’s Books and you can find your nearest independent book shop on this map. A junior illustrated edition suitable for age 6+ is to be published in November and can be pre-ordered here.

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Lottie Loves Nature: Bird Alert by Jane Clarke illustrated by James Brown

Posted on August 7, 2021 by alibrarylady

Bird Alert, the latest title in the Lottie Loves Nature series, is an entertaining blend of fact and fiction that is perfect for encouraging children to notice and appreciate wildlife. A story of friendship and family that is fun to read and full of information about birds to be spotted in gardens and parks, it is perfect for budding ‘twitchers’ and nature lovers.

Cover illustration by James Brown

Lottie loves nature and, inspired by her favourite wildlife TV programme and its presenter Samira Breeze, she is bird-watching in her back garden. There are sparrows nesting in the garden and Lottie is noting their behaviour and progress in her nature journal. When a fledging falls from the nest Lottie is determined to keep it safe from her neighbour’s cat and to make sure that the sparrow family are well cared for.

Lottie and her friend Noah, who is as interested in space as Lottie is in nature, are appealing characters and children will enjoy following their story with the added bonus of learning a great deal as they read. I particularly like how the information is included in a variety of ways. As part of the story line the children make a bird bath and a fat cake to feed the sparrows and full instructions are provided at the end of the book. Lottie’s journal and Noah’s diary feature throughout the story naturally and there are occasional breaks to provide fact files on topics such as murmurations or migration. At just over 100 pages this is a short read but one that includes a great deal of learning. The text is broken up with plentiful black and white illustrations and the overall design is attractive. Facts are presented in text boxes and with diagrams, illustrations and maps and in a child friendly format.

Lottie Loves Nature Bird Alert is a great way of nurturing an interest in nature and is a lovely read for newly independent readers of about 7+; an entertaining, informative book with a gentle message about conservation. An earlier title in the series, Bee-ware, has been chosen as a recommended read for the Wild World Heroes, Summer Reading Challenge 2021, and I can understand why. There are some wonderful activities on the publisher’s website that would be fabulous to share both in school and at home too.

Lottie Loves Nature: Bird Alert was published on 5th August by Five Quills and is available to purchase at your local independent book shop or online. I should like to thank the publishers and Catherine Ward for providing my review copy.

If you are looking for picture books to encourage a love of nature I have reviewed a selection here.

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