Chris Priestley is a master of the horror genre for children and his latest for Barrington Stoke, Freeze, is a story that is perfect for young readers who enjoy reading books that teeter just over the edge from exciting and unsettling to down right scary.
Cover Illustration by Chris Priestley
When her alarm clock wakes Maya she gets ready for the day ahead and is suddenly aware of an intense sense of foreboding. However her day starts like any other, meeting up with her three best friends and entering the school library. A new supply teacher asks Maya and her classmates to write winter-themed creepy storiesand they come up with some brilliantly spooky ideas. As Maya listens to the others reading their stories aloud she finds herself becoming part of the events they recount, experiencing the unsettling events as though they are real. When a mysterious new girl stands up to read her tale reality and story merge in a chilling manner.
Illustration by Chris Priestley
The blending of the familiar and the sinister is particularly effective in this selection of stories within a story. The setting in a school feels secure and normal to young readers and gradually the sense of foreboding, the tension and the discomfort is increased as the stories become steadily more dark and scary. Chris Priestley writes with an understanding of the fear generated by that blurring of reality and imagination, the dreams that can become nightmares all too easily and takes his readers carefully towards and across that boundary between exciting and scary.
The story writing session starts with a brainstorm of ideas during which the children suggest many of the recognisable elements of winter spooky stories: sinister snowman and dangerous frozen rivers, frost, floods and, the almost inevitable mention of creepy puppets, included whatever the season. The stories created by the children weave together some of these ideas and incorporate historical stories told to act as a warning of danger, folk tale and urban myths, all of them featuring four children.
Illustration by Chris Priestley
The author also plays on that uncomfortable feeling of ‘Did I dream it or did it really happen?’ The sharing of the experiences by the four friends magnifies the feeling of involvement. Chris Priestley’s dark and brooding illustrations hint at the fear to come before it arrives in the text and this increases as the story progresses. The build up to the climax is so well done that when I finished reading this I went straight back to the beginning and I can’t remember the last time I did that.
Freeze would be an excellent story to read on dark autumn evenings, Halloween or in the depths of winter. I can imagine it working well in school classrooms as a book to read aloud and also as a story writing prompt or for art ideas. A deliciously spooky story and thanks to Barrington Stoke this is presented in a super readable style making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
I should like to thank the publishers for my review copy. Freeze was published on 2nd September and you can find out more and order a copy on the Barrington Stoke website.
The final book in the Unmapped Chronicles by Abi Elphinstone is every bit as exciting as its predecessors and a fitting end to this enjoyable series. This is a story that sweeps you up into an action packed adventure but also gently encourages and guides young readers.
Cover illustration by George Ermos
Eleven year old Zebedee Bolt is a boy on the run. He is running away from foster families who have let him down, from adults who don’t understand him and from memories of his past. This makes Zeb vulnerable and when magic transports him to the land of Crackledawn he quickly falls under the spell of the evil harpy, Morg. When he realises his mistake he is already committed to a quest that will take him on a journey during which he discovers silver whales, evil monsters and underwater palaces but also friendship, courage and hope.
This is a world of magic, drama, adventure and excitement. The Crackledawn Dragon is first and foremost good fun to read. Abi Elphinstone is a writer who knows how to communicate with children. And I do mean ‘with’ not to. The narrative voice throughout engages with her readers and she never patronises or preaches but understands that children want to enjoy what they are reading. There is humour, not only in the names but in the conversations, a lightness of touch that makes the evil of the villain not too overwhelming for young readers.
There are some fabulous characters in this story and it is heartening to see children who are not usually depicted as heroes taking centre stage and in addition being both likeable and engaging. Zeb in particular is a boy who young readers will root for. The many characters who assist Zeb and his new friend Oonie include a talking chameleon named Mrs Fickletint who adopts a slightly maternal role with the children but is kind and wise too. A helpful elephant called Trampletusk and of course Snaggle the Dragon have key parts in the action and I must mention the yoga loving goblin, Dollop too.
There are life lessons contained within the excitement. As the adventure progresses the reader will see how important loyalty, teamwork and kindness are and above all the power of trust and hope. The optimism within this story is infectious and children will feel empowered by the growth and development of the characters. There are important links to our environment and the dangers of climate change. The threat to this magical kingdom mirrors the threat to our own habitats and the story encourages children to notice the beauty and the fragility of the natural world about them and to help to protect it if they can.
Comparison with the Narnia books is inevitable. There are similarities in some ways and in this particular story we see Zeb being seduced by power and promise in a manner reminiscent of Edmund and the White Witch. There are subtle differences however. As the last in the series this has a positive and optimistic ending whereas as a child I remember feeling a little let down and disturbed by The Last Battle. Abi Elphinstone knows her audience well and this final act in the Unmapped Chronicles drama is both satisfying and kind.
The Crackledawn Dragon was published by Simon and Schuster in June and I should like to thank the publishers for my review copy. This would work perfectly well as a stand alone book but for maximum enjoyment you many like to try the earlier stories, Everdark, Rumble Star and Jungle Drop.
You may like to watch this lovely video in which Abi introduces this book to her readers…
The Lulu series of books captures the world of small children and the little details that matter most to them. In this latest title Lulu experiences a rite of passage that may trouble little ones initially but in the hands of Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw it becomes a life experience that is both joyful and positive. This is a gorgeous, perfect picture book for young children.
Cover Illustration by Rosalind Beardshaw
Lulu has visited her cousin, Hani, many times but she has never spent the whole night there. As she prepares for her very first sleepover Lulu packs everything she might need, including her favourite books, her Mary-Mary doll and her cuddly toy cat, Dinah. At Hani’s house the two girls build, paint, play, dress up and watch movies. Lulu tries out some food she’s never tasted before and discovers that it is delicious. At bedtime they snuggle up for stories before they fall asleep. In the morning, after a breakfast treat, Daddy arrives to collect Lulu with a big hug. Lulu has loved her first sleepover and can’t wait to do it all over again!
Lulu’s Sleepover is tender, full of warmth and family love. This lovely picture book will reassure young children with its positive and kindly tone. The emphasis throughout the story is on sharing, exploring and trying new things together in a safe and loving environment. Both the text and illustrations capture the world of small children and the everyday minutiae that is so important to them and their sense of security. The detail is simply perfect. It is important to linger and look at the pictures and take in slowly what the text is emphasising. When Lulu and Daddy arrive Hani and Auntie Jina are making lemonade and when Daddy says goodbye we can see that already Lulu is clutching a cup of lemonade, already participating in the other family’s life. When the girls go out to play in the garden changed in to their dungarees they have already swapped bracelets which by the next morning has extended to swapping of pyjamas. This emphasis on sharing and swapping is beautifully executed. We join Lulu as she joins in with a family different to her own but one that she enjoys being part of.
The story is inclusive in a subtle, natural and supportive manner and celebrates the bond between extended and diverse families. There are many lovely moments such as Lulu’s hand nestled on her Auntie as she watches the TV. The language and the story also encourage imaginative play. When the girls run excitedly into the garden they are playing in a ‘rainforest’, when they are busy with blocks and watering cans they are ‘building’ and experiencing ‘waterfalls’. There are lots of activities and quiet moments incorporated into the story that children will recognise and replicate. The illustrations are full of vibrant patterns and shapes, colours and items to recognise, name and talk about. This is most definitely a book with opportunities for learning.
This is a treasure of a picture book for young children and would be perfect for Early Years settings and for families too. I have grown fond of Lulu and her lovely family and can wholeheartedly recommend Lulu’s Sleepover.
I should like to thank Alanna Max Publishers for providing my review copy. Lulu’s Sleepover is published on 6th September and is available to purchase online or at your local independent bookshop which can be found on this map. If this appeals you may also like to try Zeki Loves Mummy from the same publisher.
Welcome to the first Reading Matters of the new school year. I hope everyone has enjoyed a good summer however you spent the time and that those working in education enjoyed a well earned rest. The start of the new school year often generates enthusiasm for new challenges and commitments. Perhaps you are new to the joys of reading children’s books and reading for pleasure, if so I hope that Reading Matters will be helpful.
If you have not visited the blog before Reading Matters is a weekly round up of the latest news from the world of children’s books. It includes a look at my own recent reads, useful resources and events and a small selection of reviews for different age groups.
What I’m reading…
Since the last Reading Matters round up I have read several children’s books and also a few adult fiction and non fiction titles too. Earlier this week I posted a summer reading round up of some of my favourite books suitable for children and teens. If you don’t have time to plough through that I would like to highlight three in particular. Firstly Black and British: A Short Essential History by David Olusoga, the revised edition for teens, which is a must have for secondary schools. Turning to fiction both Julia and the Shark and Hide and Seek are among my favourite books of the year so far.
This week a beautiful picture book was published which explores a part of the countryside many of us take for granted. The Happy Hedgerow will encourage children to protect this important natural environment. There’s a link to some great teaching resources from Hedge Link in my review.
Nikki Gamble’s new season of “An Audience With” started this week and we were treated to a fascinating interview with Jane Ray. I have long been an admirer of Jane’s work and it was a privilege to see her sketchbooks and childhood stories featuring Mr Teddy. A lovely, engaging person whose work has had a profound impact on both children and adults. I’m looking forward to the book club discussion next week. If you have not already signed up do look out for single event tickets as they are thoroughly enjoyable evenings featuring the cream of children’s literature.
News, articles and resources…
Miss P’s Literacy Calendar 2021-2021 – created by teacher Sadie Phillips, this fabulous resource is perfect for planning ahead for the coming year and for keeping up to date with all the book awards, events and key dates. A comprehensive guide to everything related to children’s books this includes links and full details. It must take an enormous amount of time and effort to prepare. Thank you very much, Sadie.
Historical Association Young Quills 2021 shortlist – these annual awards for best historical fiction for young people highlight some fabulous books and this year includes some of my recent favourites. I’m particularly delighted to see After the War by Tom Palmer in the age 10 – 13 years category.
Children’s books roundup – the best new picture books and novels – Another fantastic round up by Imogen Russell Williams of the best new picture books and children’s novels for the Guardian. Lovely to see The Book Cat included and I’ve added My Beautiful Voice to my wish list.
September is World Kid Lit Month – this month sees this annual celebration and promotion of world literature for children. We have the chance to explore the world through books for children and teens. Where will you travel to by book? This helpful website includes book lists, links to books by country and information about translated texts. There is a special section highlighting resources for libraries.
The Diverse Book Awards 2021 Longlists – over the summer the long lists for these awards established in 2019 were announced. There are three categories, Children’s, Young Adult and Adult and the Shortlist will be announced on 20th September.
Reading is Magic Festival – this virtual event returns this year with a wonderful array of authors and illustrators suitable for a wide age range. It takes place 27Sept – 1 Oct.
ReadingZone Bookclub – free author events – the ReadingZone Bookclub programme of free virtual author events is aimed at classrooms and libraries that are keen to develop a love of reading. Events are suitable for ages 5-11 years and this term authors include Abie Longstaff, Catherine Johnson, Alistair Chisholm and Vashti Hardy.
The School Library: Re-launching after Covid – this is a supportive and thoughtful article on the School Library Association blog that will be helpful for school librarians. It tackles everything from conversations with SLT to rekindling enthusiasm for the library after a lengthy break from normal use.
Benefits of Reading for Pleasure – school librarian Lucas Maxwell has created a presentation on the theme of reading for pleasure incorporating research findings. He has generously shared this and it would be excellent for staff meetings, INSET etc. A big thank you to Lucas for his generosity and congratulations on being appointed one of the Costa Children’s Book Award judges.
Year 7 & 8 Recommended Reads 2021 -2021 – teacher Alice Visser-Furay has created this mammoth list with several different categories, including graphic and verse novels, a balance between new recommendations and old favourites. Alice’s blog is well worth a browse too as it is full of excellent links and resources. I have just discovered another list for Years 5,6 and 7! Link here.
SLA Information Book Award Schools’ Collaboration – Join in with this year’s Information Book Award and you could receive a collection of the shortlisted titles! SLA will provide the books, all you have to do is share your experience of using them. But hurry, this opportunity is only available until 15th September!
The Reader Teacher September 2021 Coming Soon Video – each month Scott Evans creates a video of the new children’s books he is most excited about. September is an incredibly busy month for publications so this is useful.
Children and Young People’s September Booklist: Back to School! – The Reading Agency have created a booklist for all children, from nursey school age through to secondary students, related to school. There are novels about lab experiments gone wrong and teenage romance, as well as books about friendship, fitting in and being brave.
Introducing “Once upon a Tune” by James Mayhew – I am very much looking forward to the publication of this special book on 9th September. Anyone who has been lucky enough to attend one of James Mayhew’s concerts will know what a joy they are. He has produced a series of videos introducing the stories from the book. They are all wonderful and the link above takes you to the first of them, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
Love My Books – this site contains a wealth of free resources linked to wonderful children’s books. It is for parents, carers, teachers, schools, and early years staff, created by literacy experts. Free and ad free with over 250 activity pages full of creative book-based ideas. Definitely worth a browse!
We’re Going to Find the Monster by Malorie Blackman, illus by Dapo Adeola – I always find Fabia Turner’s reviews helpful and this new picture book sounds like a must have for primary schools. “Celebrating the everyday life of a contemporary Black family and the awesomeness of children’s imaginations, this layered, funny, highly relatable story has been deservedly revived by an epic creative team.”
How Was That Built? written by Roma Agrawal, illustrated by Katie Hickey – an excellent and comprehensive review by Veronica Price of a non fiction book being published on 16th September. A detailed look at construction and engineering Veronica says, “I would urge all schools to get hold of a copy of this book. It answers so many of the questions that curious children ask and I can imagine it being hugely popular with the group of children who prefer non-fiction to fiction.”
Edie and the Box of Flits by Kate Wilkinson – this review by teacher Paul Watson has highlighted a book that I knew nothing about but now very much want to read. It sounds perfect for lovers of The Borrowers or The Minpins. “Kate Wilkinson has taken a well-trodden route and come up with a fresh new tale.”
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas – this is the prequel to the much acclaimed The Hate You Give. In her review for Just Imagine Laura Ovenden says, “In Concrete Rose Thomas writes from the male perspective and succeeds spectacularly.” This sounds like another excellent title for secondary school age readers.
That’s everything for this week and I hope it’s useful. Good luck to those returning to or starting school over the coming days. I hope this new term is a successful and happy one.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Parisand 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.
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 Newmanand Obsessive About Octopuses by Owen Daveywhich you can read about here
Library Lady 