Review: Are You Small? by Mo Willems (Children's, Picture book, Non-fiction, 10/10E)

 July 2024, Union Square Kids, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Union Square Co

Are YOU small?

A little question sends readers on a BIG adventure to see the smallest of the small. From an average-size kid . . . to a cookie crumb . . . to a water molecule . . . all the way down to a single quark, readers discover that size is a matter of perspectiv

Nayu's thoughts

This was the second book from a publisher for young readers (I requested the books to be randomised) and it is so cute! the back cover has a ruler on the side to provide context for what is small. Each page (except the first) has an image of the previous page's creature/item walking away, allowing space for the next object. It states the object that is small, but how the object is equally big at the same time. 

There are lots of questions for young inquisitive minds, with a comparison chart at the end to give an idea of how small all the tiny things discussed actually are. The colours are bold in their own way but not super bright, which makes a nice change from similar books. Don't get me wrong, I love bright colours, but colours can be more muted and still stand out. I'm sure readers will be able to identify other small objects, and may start measuring some if they have a tape measure to hand. 

Suggested read

More scientific facts can be found in The Greatest Show On Earth by Mini Grey (Children's, Non-fiction, 9/10E)

 

Review: Touch and Feel: Farm by Spring Street (Children's, Board book, 9/10E)

 July 2024, Boxer Books, 10 pages, Board Book, Review copy

Summary from Union Square and Co

Touch and feel the farm animals in this stylish, design-led board book. Introducing textures and providing the child with a tactile reading experience, this book explores a cow, a sheep, a rooster, a dog, and a duckling. Beautifully produced, with contemporary artwork, can you spot these animals in the world around you?

Nayu's thoughts

Simple board books are essential for early reading skills, as they provide great opportunities to intearct with young children. The images are simple and clear without fussy backgrounds so young eyes can easily focus on them. The pages are thick, perfect to withstand any sticky hands! Each animal has a part to feel with different textures. 

The only downside is some of the parts feel quite small compared to other touch and feel books. I know little hands are small, and less coverage makes it easier to keep the book not too thick in width, but I had expected the duckling wing to be bigger. This is a very minor niggle in what is otherwise a solid read. The text says each animal's sounds and asks to feel the relevant part on it's body. 

Suggested read 

If farm animals are enjoyed, older readers may like to read a pig's diary The Seriously Extraordinary Diary of Pig by Emer Stamp (Children's, 7 years +, 10E/10E)

Review: The Twirly Wiggly Dance by Farrah Riaz and Navya Raju (Children's, Picture book, 5 years +, 10/10E)

  1st August 2024, Oxford University Press, pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Oxford University Press

 Little Intisar has a BIG job at her Auntie Mahira's wedding: she's going to dance in the group performance! But as Intisar struggles with getting the routine right, her family of movers and groovers come to the rescue to show her being herself is far more fun than being perfect.

Nayu's thoughts

The instant I saw the cover I knew I needed to review this book. The inside is even more colourful, with both pictures and words changing sizing and colour throughout the tale. This is for a south-Asian wedding - not all Muslim weddings have music and dancing. This one has days of celebrations, which is a lot of time for Intisar to be anxious about the dance step she can't get right. It definitely distracts her from the joyful festivities which made me sad for her. Glad she at least got some mendi on her, even if her head was on the dance.

Anxiety is tough to have - it's normal to get anxious from time to time, but I suffer from anxiety the disorder, and watching Intisar feel so dispirited and down about being unable to do the dance felt heartbreaking. Her older relatives should not have mocked her for not knowing it. She is so sweet the way her doll goes everywhere with her and appears to be alive at the same time. I was so happy at what happened at the end, so what if she couldn't do it right? It turns out perfection wasn't needed, and others were doing their own thing just like she discovered she could make up her own moves which were more fun. 

Suggested read 

For more wedding fun check out  The Perfect Flower Girl by Taghred Chandab and Binny Talib (Children's, Picture book, 10/10) 

 

Review: Finding Figgins by Shayna Leib (Children's, Picture book, 9/10E)

 October 23, SNL Design Works Publishing, 38 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Book Summary

Figgins is a lonely stuffed animal who feels forgotten by his human friend, Julian. Figgins has a rich, secret life unbeknownst to Julian in which he is a professor, a painter and scuba diver. But when Figgins goes missing, Julian has to venture beyond his comfort zone into an unusual magical world. By retracing Figgins' steps Julian finds out just who Figgins really is, with a little help from Mrs. Zebrasky's cats who know all that goes on in their neighborhood.

Nayu's thoughts

An alternate title could include the fact that cats are EVERYWHERE and Mrs Zebrasky has 18. Eighteen cats! That seems so many, my family only ever had 2 at the most. Those 18 cats are very busy, they help Julian on his journey to find Figgins. I still love my plushies, but it is normal for some to neglect childhood plushies as they grow up. Julian wondered where his past-favourite bear was, and it turns out he was quite the adventurer. 

The bright and mostly colourful illustrations truly bring the unique story to life. At one point there is a field of crayons - I was convinced I could smell that specific crayon scent as I read about it. Flying penguins was a sight to behold, although the water labyrinth made me feel a bit odd (a me thing, I like solid land). The range of adventures really bring out Shayna's talent in the varied pictures that invite pondering over them, looking at all the intricate details.  Plus there are a lot of active cats who aren't lazing at home on a blanket on the sofa like my family's cat. It is hard to tell who is having the most fun, the cats, Figgins or Julian. Or me as looking at cats is very comforting! 

Find out more on Shayna's website.

Suggested read 

If you love stories with cats check out this gem with a cat on the cover Jump by Tatsuhide Matsuoka (Children's, Picture book, Board Book, 10E/10E)

 

Review: Scroll by Hui LI (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

  September 2023, Little Brown Young Readers, 40 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Book summary

 After Grandpa introduces calligraphy and Chinese characters to Lulu and her dog Dumpling, they find themselves magically transported to a world where the characters they draw come to life! Soon Lulu and Dumpling meet a bird, a zither-playing musician, and many other animated friends. But when they discover an angry dragon, Lulu is not sure how to draw them out of this tense encounter.

Nayu's thoughts

I'm fascinated with non-roman alphabet languages, as there is so much to learn. I can understand and speak Japanese, it took years to get to a point where I can understand anime. Japanese has three alphabets, hiragana and katakana plus kanji which is pictorial. Chinese as a language is much more complex, there is simply the pictograph form creating thousands of characters. I'm in awe of both native speakers and those who learn it as a second language as it seems way more complex than Japanese which is more than enough for me.  

Hui Li uses images to explore the picture world of the Chinese language through Lulu  and Dumpling's eyes. It is easy to see how some words form because they really do look like the words they describe. Lulu's magical adventure with her canine partner take them to a world with a scary looking dragon which Lulu is desperate to avoid, but the eventual meeting did not go as I expected which was a wonderful twist. Lulu uses the characters in her journey and finds help in unexpected places. 

There are pages with extremely detailed watercolour illustrations that cram in so much Chinese culture. Other pages are simpler but no less symbolic, the lack of some details means the focus is on the characters, which is the centre of the story. I can see how this would help new learners to Chinese, I really hope Hui Li creates more books like this as they are stunning to look at and quite educational at the same time as being fun. 

Suggested read

If you like culture filled reads check out this tale about American pioneer life The Little Pioneer by Adam Hancher (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 

Review: My Magic Land by Begona True (Children's, Picture book, Poetry, 9/10E)

 

May 2023, 31 pages, Paperback, Review Copy 

Book summary

From dancing plants and animals, to souring with friends through the skies upon clouds. From fishing on a bout that brings you the many potentials of your imagination, to the River of Laughter where a mysterious lady plays the piano with the drops of water from its cascade. And the magical crystal dimensions where anything can be created and where the main character creates an inseparable friend, her cat called "Yes".

Nayu's thoughts

What first appealed to me was Begona's soft and warm looking illustrations, simply looking at them makes me feel serene. I felt this was both a picture book and a poetry book, because there's a beautiful melodic feel to the words as imagination is explored, leading to fun characters and new places to explore. There is so much to look at on every image, from the full page illustrations to the smaller ones that fit alongside the prose. 

I can tell Begona had fun writing this, and is someone to whom boredom probably never exists with that vivid an imagination. It makes me feel like lazy summer days lying in the sunshine, or being cozy warm in winter as it drizzles with rain outside. This isn't a one-time read book, but one to return to when life is crazy and I need a break from the world. 

Suggested read

For more imaginative read check out The Art Garden by Penny Harrison and Penelope Pratley (Children's, Picture book 10E/10E) 

 

 

Review: Confetti by Dean Atta and Alea Marley (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

 

 January 2024, Orchard Books, 32 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Book summary 

One day, Ari discovers a piece of pink confetti under the sofa. She throws is up into the air and watches it helicopter down: a small, bright moment of celebration.

And before long, Ari discovers confetti in other places: at her birthday party; at the Pride parade; in autumn's falling leaves; in the magical sprinkling of snowflakes. She finds that when you look around, life is full of celebrations, each moment bursting with colour and joy - just like a handful of confetti.

The debut picture book from acclaimed poet Dean Atta, winner of the Stonewall Book Award and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal Prize, is stunningly brought to life by award-winning Alea Marley.

Nayu's thoughts 

They say don't judge a book by it's cover, which is true but in this case I fell in love with Confetti because of the cover. Look how joyful Ari is, and how beautiful the multi-coloured paper scraps are! Once she sees it at home Ari sees confetti in all it's colours everywhere. There is a magic to the way the colours encompass every scenario this sweet girl encounters. The soft yet vibrant colour palatte draws in the reader as much as the story of life's celebrations. 

Ari's love is that of a child's untainted by adult worldviews, innocent and seeing how love is everywhere with everyone. She has such a fun life and the confetti emphasizes that. It's an accurate portrayal of a child's imagination, as well as their innate compassion.  I hope readers see confetti everywhere after reading Ari's adventure. The world can be so beautiful and friendly.

Suggested read

If you love colours and love check out The Perfect Flower Girl by Taghred Chandab and Binny Talib (Children's, Picture book, 10/10) 

Book review: Molly and the Shipwreck by Malachy Doyle and Andrew Whitson (Children's, 5 years +, Picture book, 10E/10E)

 

October 2021,  Graffeg, 36 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Graffeg

 Molly and her dad rescue three people in trouble from a small boat off the coast. Though they speak different languages, the new arrivals quickly make friends with the islanders, who offer them somewhere to stay and some clothes and food. Just a few weeks later, a new challenge threatens this relationship, but will Molly and the islanders be able to help their new friends?

Nayu's thoughts

I try not to read about real world issues because honestly the reality is so depressing and I mentally can't cope with it. I thought a shipwreck sounded exciting. What I ended up reading was an uplifting tale about the happy ever after boat refugees who end up on a small island where a helpful community exists. Molly needs more people for her school or it will close, little does she know more pupils appear from an unexpected quarter, the sea. 

The close-knit feel of island life is evident. There is definitely 'the main land is slightly evil' feel when immigration turn up to take away the new residents, but that is not the end of the tale, thankfully. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and made each image feel alive. I love the slightly muted colours which fit islands I've seen on TV. This book touched my heart, it's beautiful and filled with hope for a better future, which we do all want. I may not willingly read current affairs books, but I'm really glad this one popped into my life. 

Find out more on Malachy's website 

Suggested read

Check out some of Malachy's other books including One Hundred and One Daffodils by Malachy Doyle and Denise Hughes (Children's, 5 years +, 10E/10E)

and The Jaws of Death by Malachy Doyle

Book review: Polly Bee Makes Honey by Deborah Chancellor and Julia Groves (Children's, Picture book, 9/10E)

 September 2021, Scallywag Press, 32 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Summary from Scallywag Press

 The second title of a new non-fiction series aiming to help children understand and appreciate where their food comes from, and to be more environmentally aware.

A girl follows Polly the worker bee collecting pollen and nectar from various flowers, and bringing it back to the hive where it is stored in the honeycomb. We meet the queen bee and the drones, and finally see honey being harvested and enjoyed.

Nayu's thoughts

I adore honey, the thick kind rather than runny honey, so was eager to see what Polly's tale was about. I like the simplicity of the illustrations, they weren't crowded with lots to look at and I feel that helps focus the reader on exactly what the bee is doing. 

Everything from the different types of bees, to life in hive and out of it is explored. There is a fun section at the end which recaps some of the key bee facts covered in Polly's journey. I hope it gets readers interested in bees, and less afraid of them as they are magnificent creatures and do so much good in the world. I'm sure young readers will fall in love with Polly and think many bees are called that!

Find out more on Deborah's website and Julia's website. 

Suggested read

Another natured themed read is We Planted A Pumpkin by Rob Ramsden (Children's, Picture book, 9/10E)

 

Book review: Mouse and Mole Lo and Behold! by Joyce Dunbar and James Mayhew (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

 

October 2021, Graffeg, 32 pages, Hardback, Review copy 

Summary from Graffeg

 Snowmole

 Mole wakes one morning to find the ground is covered in snow! Mouse and Mole decide to build their very own snowy friend – Snowmole – but Mole doesn’t want to leave him alone so decides to keep him company all night long and wakes to find another snowy surprise.

Lo and Behold!

 Mole is impatiently waiting for Christmas to come when Mouse presents Mole with a brilliant gift – an advent calendar! Mouse and Mole use the advent calendar to countdown to Christmas and complete all the festive chores that need to be done and before they know it…it’s Christmas Eve!

A Bump in the Night

 Late at night on Christmas Eve, Mouse and Mole are getting ready for bed, when they realise they’ve forgotten a few important tasks – putting the stockings by the chimney, leaving the mince pies and cherry brandy out for Father Christmas and sending their Christmas lists – but as they finish these jobs something goes BUMP! in the night…

Nayu's thoughts 

This is quite a perfect winter read. The second and third story are amusing tales about Christmas, but the first was my favourite. I haven't read Mouse and Mole series before (this is the 7th book in the series, I think), but honestly it felt like I already knew them the way the story is written. It has such a cozy feel, and not just because I'm warm inside as I read it. 

The duo have definitely been friends for a long time. Mouse knew that Mole staying out in the snow to keep the snow mole company wouldn't end well so helped him get back inside while slept. I like how mole literally took his comfy armchair outside and plonked it beside the snowmole, it felt realistic to the tale even though in real life it would be extremely odd to do that. Their friendship meant Mouse understood Mole's anxieties and accomadated them by doing something extra sweet that made me smile. The following two tales cemented how strong their friendship is. They do have other friends but the tales are about them and how they understand each other. Honestly it's an utterly charming series and one day I hope to collect them all. 

Suggested read

It turns out I have read another book by Joyce, quite a while back in 2012 so do check it out, Do Dare Duck by Joyce Dunbar and Jane Massey (Children's, Picture book, 10/10E)

 

Review: Meli and Mac: Rendez-vous with a Flamingo by Elena Joannides, Margherita Ende (Children's, Picture Book, 10/10E)

 

December 2022, Mythiko Press, 32 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Mythiko

 "It's expedition o'clock!" cries Mac, putting down his French book.

"Expedition Supervisor ready!" replies his sister, Meli. 

Adventure isn't far away when they stumble across a lost flamingo who speaks French. Can they help Freddie find his way to the flamingo festival of the year?

Join Meli and Mac for some flamingo fun in Serendipity Forest - and use the translation guide to learn a little French along the way!

Meli & Mac: Rendez-Vous with a Flamingo was selected by the Cyprus Association of Children’s and Young People’s Books (Cyprus IBBY), exhibited at the 60th annual Bologna International Children's Book Fair in March 2023 and at the 19th annual Book Fair in Thessaloniki, Greece in May 2023.

Nayu's thoughts

As someone who learned French at school and who enjoys watching anime in French and occasionally reading novels in the language, I was very intrigued how French would be incorporated in Meli and Mac's adventure. I was happily surprised it was done perfectly. There is a double-page spread at the back of the tale with all the translations and a few extra, but most importantly all French in the story is translated somewhere on the page, so breaking immersion of the tale to flip to the back is not necessary. This is good as it won't break story flow. 

Meli and Mac are really sweet siblings who somehow have a magical journal which when taken to a nearby forest transports them to far away lands and bring them home again. I loved the soft yet bright style illustrations which had loads of details to explore on each page. I love how Freddie is originally Mac's toy brought to life, how they see sights typically French, and they use what they learn when the finally go on the trip to France that they were studying for. There are lots of fun facts about flamingos to learn while Meli and Mac help their new friend out. The characters are lively and it is a great way to help introduce or reinforce words readers may have already learned in French class. 

Suggested read

Another colour read is The Art Garden by Penny Harrison and Penelope Pratley (Children's, Picture book 10E/10E) 

 

Review: The Lightbringers by Karin Celestine (Children's, picture book, 8/10E)

 November 2020, Graffeg Limited,  48 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Book summary from Graffeg

The first in a series of four titles based on the seasons, nature and folklore, The Lightbringers is a story of hope centring on the notion that the light will always return, even in the darkest of days.

The midwinter solstice provides the focal point for a journey by the little creatures as they seek to return light to earth, but it is a journey that evokes the traditions of the Mari Lwyd walking the villages of Wales and Wassail songs being sung in the orchards. Made up of two key parts, this book contains the story of The Lightbringers and a brief introduction to the myth and legend surrounding the season and festivals of midwinter.

Nayu's thoughts

What intrigued me the most was the fact Karin uses a crafting technique called felting to create all the characters photographed. Felting involves using a needle and I think yarn to create this unique fuzzy effect. Felting isn't something I've tried or wanted to try, but I admire the skill involved as it isn't an easy one to master. The effort going into each piece is signifcant. Unfortunately, somehow I found most of the characters creepy looking, which did diminish my enjoyment of the story which tells of winter and how spring slowly returns in a tradition called Mari Lwyd (Grey Mary) procession which is explained at the end of the tail. 

I could see the compilation of objects, using the felted creatures alongside natural components is really good, I just didn't like most of the pictures (sorry!). The story itself is engaging and creates an atmosphere of everything almost dead in winter then slowly coming to life as the lights are carried along by the animals. It just wasn't for me.   

Suggested read

Other nature themed books include National Trust: Up and Down, A Walk in the Countryside by Rosalind Beardshaw (Children's, Picture book, Board book, 10E/10E)

 

Review: Fletcher and the Rainbow by Julia Rawlinson and Tiphanie Beeke (Children's, Picture book, 10/10E)

  August 2021, Graffeg Limited, Hardback, Review copy

Book summary from Graffeg

 When Fletcher sees a dazzling rainbow, he is determined to help it shine forever. Guided by his friends, he chases it through the dripping wood… but the rainbow soon starts to fade. Once the last scrap of colour is gone, Fletcher feels he has failed - until he realises something wonderful!

Join Fletcher and his friends as they celebrate the glorious colours of autumn in this uplifting story of hope.

Nayu's thoughts

Not only is there a beautiful rainbow on the cover, but the inner cover pages are full of rainbow coloured leaves which made me smile the instant I spotted them. I love the soft style of the illustrations, how Fletcher is so eager to save the rainbow, and how his frog friend is always beside him, just like a child's favourite toy goes everywhere with them. 

Fletcher meets a lot of people and sees different things which help culminate in a beautiful ending. His disappointment at the rainbow going is palpable, but he then realises not everything in this world is permanent and that is ok, memories are made during rainbows and other similar events. I feel this tale captures the innocence and wonder children have about absolutely everything they see. 

Suggested read

Be sure to check out Fletcher's other adventures including Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson and Tiphanie Beeke

 

Review: Help Me Reader by J W Hurcomb & Jason Pacliwan (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

Who could refuse helping such a cute little bear?

 July 2022, Independently published, Paperback and Ebook, Review copy 

 Book Summary

Help me Reader is an interactive children’s book full of fun! Salsa is lost and needs your help to find her way home.

Nayu's thoughts 

I was curious how a book could be interactive and how it's done is both clever and fun Salsa asks for help finding her way through various mazes, sometimes objects need to be counted too. I knew from the start it's an exciting read when the reader is asked to touch Salsa to say hello. The soft coloured illustrations are in a cozy vibe style which helps because the setting is night and darkness can seem a scary time. 

 Despite there being quite a few mazes within the tale they never felt repetitive and are not too hard to solve either. Salsa's journey home definitely takes unexpected turns and the warm welcome makes any fear she feels worthwhile. Feel the engaging nature of the book will encourage it to be reread multiple times. 

Suggested read 

For another night themed tale check out Daddy I Can't Sleep by Alan Durant and Judi Abbot (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

 

Review: Rita Wants A Dragon by Maire Zepf and Mr Ando (Children's, Picture book, 10/10E)

Roar!!!
 

February 2022, Graffeg Limited, 36 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Book summary from Graffeg 

Meet Rita. She’s a little girl with very big ideas. When Rita gets cross she imagines she has a ferocious dragon that will make the world shudder with anger. But even the hottest tempers can be soothed and Rita’s mum knows just how.

Nayu's thoughts 

I, like Rita, want a dragon although not for the same reasons as Rita. Rita wants one to help express her anger and rage better when life takes turns she doesn't like. Anger isn't an issue I have these days but i feel my younger self could relate to Rita. These days I'm more patient if things go wrong, but it can be hard to express frustration when angry, and a big dragon does that perfectly.

  I like how the dragon is coloured similarly to Rita's clothes and hair. I like how eventually, once left alone Rita is reasonable and works out why she reacted the way she did and the way the story ends is utterly charming. I feel this will help talk about emotions with readers, how we may want to react all angry like a raging dragon but that isn't the best way to handle the situation. 

There is also a Welsh edition of the book!  

Suggested read 

For more dragon adventures check out Sir Scaly Pants: The Dragon Thief by John Kelly (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

 

I Am An Artist by Kertu Sillaste and Adam Cullen (Children's, Picture Book, 9/10E)

 

 August 2021, Graffeg, 36 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Book summary from Graffeg

What is an artist? Sometimes John finds art easy, sometimes it's hard, sometimes art is like a game, but sometimes it's a puzzle. This book takes us through the many ups and downs of John's life as an artist whilst also showing the fun that can be had with many artforms, including drawing, sculpture, painting, photography and many more.

Nayu's thoughts

Art is subjective. Art has an insane amount of being expressed. I Am An Artist delves into what being an artist means, the highs of creating novel pieces, the lows of being unable to create what is in the mind. Through illustration which includes photographs the turbulent mind of an artist gets peeled back for readers, nothing is held back. I personally am more a classical art lover, I'm very much not into modern art but my opinion on art isn't what matters. Viewing the character John's world feels like I'm getting into Kertu's head a little.

In all the picture books I've read I genuinely have not come across such a comprehensive insight itno what being an artist is like. I have an artist in my family. When I was younger and my health was better I drew and painted a lot myself. Art is so fun, anyone can do it, but for those whose live, sleep, and breathe art all the time, this book accurately depicts that. It's pretty cool that this got translated from Estonian by Adam, I wonder what influences Kertu's culture had on her work. It's not a style I personally love but it doesn't make it a bad style or a wrong style. It's a distinctive style with mostly bright colours and different illustration techniques used. I like how abstract the inside cover pages are, and how I never could guess what was coming on the next page. 

Suggested read

If you love books about art check out this colourful read Colour My Days by Ross Collins (Children's, Picture book, 9/10E)

 

Lily Takes A Walk by Satoshi Kitamura (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

 2nd September 2021, Scallywag Press, 28 pages, Hardback, Review copy

Summary from Scallywag Press

 When Lily takes a walk with her dog, Nicky, she notices many lovely things. But poor Nicky only sees monsters lurking in every corner. Which version of the walk is true, Lily's or Nicky's, or both?

There is just the right amount of horror to provide a thrill, but also the safety of realising that Nicky's visions are imaginary. Until a flap reveals a real surprise at the end!

Nayu's thoughts

Aside from Lily having a faithful companion on her walks, Lily Takes A Walk appealed because I've read and reviewed Satoshi's work before so knew I would almost definitely love this title (and I do!) Lily definitely is a fictional character because unless in a sleepy town no parents would let their child walk around anywhere, even with their dog. Nicky is extremely protective of Lily: throughout Lily's walks Nicky is the one who keeps danger at bay by barking. Lily never sees the dangers because what she sees is safe: she sees bats, Nicky sees a vampire. Lily sees ducks on one side of a bridge, Nicky sees what looks like a dinosaur on the other side. 

 Each page has Lily see something completely different to Nicky. Nicky is a superb guard dog! I loved the part where Lily's parents ask how her day went, and she was clearly just chatting but Nicky had thought bubbles of all the monsters they had kept away from Lily. There is one monster that Nicky can't keep away who appears at the end in a fold out section of the book: that made me giggle a lot because I love seeing that creature in a house in novels because there are often funny expressions, and that is the case here. Satoshi's distinctive colourful style matches with an engaging tale that will want to be read more than ones. I wish we all lived in the world Lily lives in - so long as there are companions like Nicky to keep us safe! 

Editing note: It's only as I've gone to Scallywag's website I've seen that this book was written in the 80s! I wish it had been one of my childhood reads. I also assumed what Nicky saw was true too before reading the book blurb. This makes it an extrea good book to show that our imaginations can get carried away in what dangers lurk in the world, although there are most definitely some dangers that means children shouldn't wander about alone.

Suggested read

Be sure to check out Satoshi's other work including The Smile Shop by Satoshi Kitamura (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)

 

Swim, Shark, Swim! by Dom Conlon and Anastasia Izlesou (Children's, Picture book, 9/10E)

 

 February 2021, Graffeg, 36 pages, Paperback, Review copy 

Summary from Graffeg

Swim around the world with Shark as he explores ocean forests and coastal reefs, meeting Hammerheads and Great Whites, stingrays and dolphins in a search for the place he calls home.

Nayu's thoughts 

I adore sharks. They are fascinating creatures in how they live, needing to constantly swim to stay alive, thriving on smaller fish as prey. I loved how cute the cover is, with the bold shark in the centre page. The only reason this book doesn't get full marks is because the illustration style while beautiful in it's own right, portraying the vastness of the ocean well and the variety of sealife, the colours and colour tone was a little different to the cover. That is a purely personal preference, each page is full of action and the motion of the water and creatures including the shark are vivid and brilliantly portrayed. I'd just prefer a brighter palette. 

On to the story:  shark is on a mission to find where it belongs. I love how all the different types of ocean with different climates and many types of shark reside are explored in shark's journey, emphasising that there are many sharks and not all can live in the same area. There is even a handy map at the story's end so readers can see where in the world the oceans area. The lyrical style of tale is pleasing to read, it isn't really a rhyming style but it has it's own distinct rhythm which matches well with the illustrations. Shark may be a predator but there are dangers in the world, which is why shark must keep on swimming (like Dory from Finding Nemo) until the perfect place is found, which does happen at the end.

Find out more on Dom's website and Anastasia's website.

Suggested read

The eagle-eyed among you will notice that yes I have recently reviewed another book by Dom and Anastasia: Blow, Wind Blow! by Dom Conlon and Anastasia Izlesou (Children's, Picture book, 10/10E)

 

 

 

Perfect by Nicola Davies and Cathy Fisher (Children's, Picture book, 10/10E)

The colours are a few shades darker than this looks online

 July 2018, Graffeg Books, 32 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Graffeg Books

Perfect is a story of anticipation, disappointment, acceptance and, ultimately, love. Written by award-winning children’s author Nicola Davies, it tells the story of a young boy learning to accept his baby sister as being perfect in every way in spite of her disability. Suffused with natural imagery, Perfect is an ideal way to open up the subject of disability with children, as well as being a great story in its own right. Beautifully illustrated by Cathy Fisher, Perfect is a truly remarkable book guaranteed to bring a lump to the throat.
 

Nayu's thoughts

A new baby is always exciting, both for the parents and any siblings. However not every baby is born healthy, which can be a surprise to all involved. Perfect focuses on the view of a son who was excited but on discovering that their little sister isn't completely healthy goes into shock on having their plans dashed. The boy ignores his sister completely, refusing to look at her, talk about her, and be with her. He enjoys the swifts who fly around his house and who are a key feature on the pages. He understandably wants to fly away with them to a world where either his sister doesn't exist or she is healthy.

It must have been hard for his parents to see him so indifferent and upset; it is possible they knew beforehand that their daughter was sick. It never says what she is ill with which I feel is good because it means readers can feel more connected with a disabled sibling. All is not lost because the boy finds a not quite normal (yes I hate using the word but I couldn't think of another so please forgive me for that) swift in his garden who he feels needs help to get back in the air. He helps it from the top room of the house which happens to be his sister's. Once he watches it fly away he then connects the dots and realises his sister needs help just like the swift, and he bonds with her at last.

The story is moving in it's own way and it is echoed by the muted colour illustrations that get darker and less colourful as the boy's feelings change. Using what I think is watercolours matches the tone of the story, and makes it easy to visualise the chaotic disappointment of the boy. The high level of detail creates a life-like image of both birds and humans which make it relatable. On the most important pages the eye is drawn to the single image with detail, on the others there is lots of detail on both pages. I feel this is a brilliant read for anyone getting a new sibling who isn't 100% healthy, but are perfect in their own way. All obstacles can be overcome with patience and time.

Find out more on Nicola's website.

Suggested read 

To look at the world from a different view from a child who is deaf check out Reena's Rainbow by Dee White and Tracie Grimwood (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E) 

 

Blow, Wind Blow! by Dom Conlon and Anastasia Izlesou (Children's, Picture book, 10/10E)

 

 June 2021, Graffeg Limited, 36 pages, Paperback, Review copy

 

Summary from Graffeg

Chase Wind through the oceans, fields and mountains as, from zephyr to gale, she carries seeds and stirs seas, enriching the world and breathing life.

Nayu's thoughts

I've read many picture books about the weather, and while not necessarily my preferred style and colours of illustration, the way the colours suitably match the tone of the story of how an insignificant wind grows mighty and explores the entire planet makes it a great read. I'm not sure if I can explain this well but the lack of definted lines for each double page illustration (by definied lines I mean if a person was drawn, frequently there would be defined lines around the head, limbs and clothes, often in a dark colour (perhaps black) or a darker shade of the object's colour. The lack of defined lines magnified the nature of wind, which is unstoppable. It's not merely a matter of wind travelling around the earth, what the wind does and what objects it affects are all examined, from small seeds, birds to waves and much more. 

 

Due to personal connections with a dear friend in Florida whose house was demolished by hurricane Michael in 2018 I did have an unexpected response to the mention of hurricanes in that sunny state that I hadn't expected. It's not a bad thing, hurricanes sadly are common in Florida each year. I feel it's good to let people know about the destructive side of wind but, as is seen in the book, mostly the wind is for good like turning windmill sails which mill crops like wheat which is needed to make flour for cakes and bread. I genuinely have not seen such an expanasive exploration of a weather element in a picture book before, and am impressed with all the ways wind is used in our world, both helping and hindering us. This is a really good read especially for those studying wind in science as it isn't dull and the pleasing lyrical nature of the sentences will make it easier to remember what the wind does. The colours seen on the cover are spread throughout the book in different shades depending on the strength and location of the wind. 

Find out more on Dom's website and Anastasia's website.

Suggested read

If you like learning about science why not try learning about water in Hey, Water by Antoinette Portis (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)