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) 

 

 

Little Bunny's Book of Thoughts by Steve Smallman (Poetry, non-fiction, 10E/10E)

 

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

Summary from Graffeg

When everything feels like a challenge, take time to stop and breathe with Little Bunny's book of calm, quiet and mindfulness.

Nayu's thoughts

I adore bunnies, so it was a no-brainer in saying yes to reviewing this book. Life isn't easy, we all know that. Honestly I could have done with rereading this gem of a read far more than I have in the past few months. Little Bunny is going through some stuff of its own, but the poetry within expresses how tough can can feel and encourages what action can be taken. I don't have ears I can dangle off a branch with like Little Bunny, and performing headstands isn't in my list of things I can do, but following the advice of speaking with friends, taking a step away from worries and trying to find the positives in life is something I can do. 

The simple black and while illustrations convey more than what's written on the pages, expressing the feelings more swiftly than the words do. I want to keep looking at the adorable Little Bunny, and eventually the words will take route in my head and provide comfort when I need them. A total must for everyone's bookshelf, regardless of if you love bunnies, which you totally should! 

Find out more on Steve's website. 

Suggested read

For other encouraging reads involving rabbits check out Poor Little Rabbit by Jorg Muhle (Children's, Picture book, Board Book, 10E/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)

 

Blog Tour: Good As Gold by Patricia Furstenburg (Poetry)

Check out the other stops on the tour!

11th May 2018, 103 pages, Paperback,

Book summary

As engaging as a tail wag

Celebrating the simple things in life as seen through the eyes of our old time favourite furry friends, “As Good as Gold” is a volume of poetry revealing the talent and humour we always knew our dogs possessed.

Dogs are full of questions, yet they are famed sellers of innocence especially when it comes to explaining their mishaps and often foolish effervescence through ponderings such as “Why IS a Cat Not Like a Dog”, “As Brown as Chocolate”, “Silver Stars and Puppy Tail” or, best yet, “Dog or Book?”

A book with an enormous heart for readers of all ages, it includes 35 poems and haiku accompanied by expressive portraits of our canine friends.

Nayu's thoughts 

At the time of receiving this request I was quite busy so this isn't a review of the book. However, since I've reviewed Patricia's books in the past, and recently had a poem written by Patricia about my cat Belle (which is free to buy until tonight!!!) 

I genuinely (both with and without bias) like her work and that's why I'm taking part in the tour, so you can find out about it!

Find out more on Patricia's website. 

About Patricia 

Patricia Furstenberg came to writing through reading. She always carries a notebook and a pen, although at times she jots down her ideas on the back of till slips or types them on her phone.

Patricia enjoys writing for children because she can take abstract, grown-up concepts and package them in humorous, child-friendly ideas while adding sensitivity and lots of love. What fuels her is an exhilarating need to write and… coffee: “How many cups have had this morning?” “None.” “Plus?” “Five cups.”

Between her books you can find the beloved Joyful Trouble, The Cheetah and the Dog, Puppy, 12 Months of Rhymes and Smiles.

She is a Huffington Post contributor and pens the Sunday Column for MyPuppyclub.net as well as dabbing in freelancing. After completing her Medical Degree in Romania she moved to South Africa where she now lives with her husband, children and their dogs.

You can buy the book and find it on

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Amazon Canada

Goodreads

Author Website

Pat’s books on Amazon UK / Amazon US / Amazon Canada

Pat on Goodreads, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest.

Suggested read 

Another dog themed read by Patricia is Joyful Trouble by Patricia Furstenberg (Children's, 9 years +, 10/10E) 

and her younger reads include the adorable The Elephant and the Sheep and other stories by Patrica Furstenberg (Children's, Picture book, 10E/10E)