Review: Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson and Tiphanie Beeke

  October 2020, Graffeg, Hardback, 28 pages, Review copy 

Summary from Graffeg

As the Autumn season sets in, Fletcher is very worried – his beautiful tree has begun to loose all of its leaves. Whatever Fletcher attempts to do to save them, it’s simply no use. When the final leaf falls, Fletcher feels hopeless… until he returns the next day to a glorious sight.

A tender, uplifting tale about acceptance and hope for the future.

Nayu's houghts

I adore foxes so couldn't say no to reviewing this cute book. Fletcher looks so happy on his swing in the autumn with leaves blowing all around. The same can't be said for most of the story: Fletcher is always cute and the soft illustrations capture the reds and oranges that autumn brings. However Fletcher is worried for most of the story: he can't understand why the tree is losing its leaves. I never thought what autumn could seem like to someone who has never witnessed trees shedding leaves which is a natural process. Fletcher goes to great lengths to keep the leaves on the tree, his emotions are heartwarming and he gets so worried when other animals 'steal' them alongside the wind. 

His mother simply says it's part of autumn and therefore nothing to worry about, but Fletcher's lack of experience and understanding of the seasons means he does worry. The end is a happy one as he realises that with the frost and ice, even leafless the tree is beautiful. Definitely a story that will raise discussion on what happens in the season and while it may seem odd, it is entirely natural and the leaves will regrow on trees the following spring. 

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

Suggested read

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

 

Review: The B on Your thumb by Colette Hiller and Tor Freeman (Children's, Poetry, Non-fiction, 10/10E)

 

 September 2020, Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 80 pages, Paperback, Review copy

Summary from Quarto Knows

The B on Your Thumb is a book of 60 hilariously illustrated rhymes and delightful ditties to boost early reading—each poem teaches a specific sound, spelling, or rule. Using rhythm and wordplay, they promote phonics awareness, thinking skills, and literacy. But most of all, this book delights young readers with the fun and silliness of the English language.

This is a book where words like to play,
where letters get cross when they don’t get their way.
There are sounds to make and jokes to uncover.
An owl in your bowl, for you to discover.
Meet the K on your knee, who’s ready for fun,
and don’t be alarmed by the B on your thumb!

 

Nayu's thoughts

This is a perfect read for anyone learning to read and spell in English. Each poem uses creative rhymes and rhythm to explain how various spellings exist in English, using the focus of the poem within it repeatedly. Each poem comes with funny and sometimes weird depending on what your definition of weird is, Sometimes it's a weird that for me personally goes into freaky let's not see this territory, but it's a styles that most readers will love. The pictures tie in closely with the poems, which even as someone who has learnt to read English reminded me of when I did focus on learning the language, and how illogical English can be compared to other languages.

At the back of the book there are seven thoroughly explained word games for the teacher/parent/guardian/family to use to help the targeted reader get even more from this book. It can be read alone but it also suits being read with someone more experienced of English who can help the learner understand the poems better.  There is also a separate teacher's guide available for purchase.

Find out more on Colette's website and Tor's website

Suggested read

If you like poetry check out My Life As a Goldfish and other Poems by Rachel Rooney (Children's, Poetry, 6/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 

Nayu's News #253 Good Intentions

 

Ichigo from Aikatsu!

I'm alive! Which if on Twitter you know as I'm there daily. Life has been it's usual self. Despite officially being Spring, and some days hitting a maximum of double digits, my silly body reacts to the coldest temperature of the day, which has consistently been under 5C, occasionally under 0C, which is when I simply don't function at all well. So apologies, I really am going to try to check in once  week not once a month. Even if it's just a short paragraph and a cute  picture. 

 

Yurika from Aikatsu! (I'm in an Aikatsu! mood)

Life continues being life, there's still some stress which I can't talk about and probably can't for a few more months - I will when it's all over. I can be found gaming most days. I am slowly starting to do a little sewing and crochet, progress pics will happen in due course. I am slowly fitting in more reading time (also a good thing). All family and pets are well. Been busy growing some plants, again pictures will happen later (I really do post everything on Twitter. I'm only on 1 social media now.) Ramadan is coming to an end but I will try and do a special post before it ends. I've been managing to mostly hit my goals which got adjusted but that's ok too.  Life is all about adjustment and good intentions! 

Aoi and Ichigo from...you've guessed it, Aikatsu!