Book Talking – Reviewing Children’s Books

As I write this Booktalking column, the sun is shining so brightly outside, it’s an extremely hot day and schools are rapidly approaching the end of another school year. It has again been a strange year, with covid continuing to rear its head, the war in Ukraine, the uncertainty of the global situation and the even greater uncertainty of the political situation here in the UK. We as adults worry about these things and it is sometimes easy to forget that children also pick up on our worries.

.Research has shown though that for some children their reading levels can dip between the end of the summer term and the start of the autumn term, because they aren’t reading and accessing reading materials in the way they would while at school. My column this time focuses on reading for pleasure and highlights a selection of the fantastic books that we can use to persuade children to keep reading while they are on holiday from school.

This year partnership between The Reading Agency and Public Libraries means another Summer Reading Challenge will be running in most public library authorities. This year its theme is Gadgeteers, and it is a wonderful scheme for keeping children reading during the summer, letting children borrow and read a selection of books of their choosing. Children are challenged to read six books during the holiday period, earning them rewards along the way and a certificate / medal on completion https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/ Encourage your children and parents to visit their local library to sign up and spend the summer reading. This is a bumper issue of recommendations, so Happy Summer Reading!

Some Sunny Day
Written by Adam Baron
Harper Collins £7.99 2022
ISBN: 9780008422370

Cymbeline Igloo is bored of life in lockdown and being stuck at home and then to make matters worse he discovers that his mum has accidentally given away his precious signed football shirt. But then coronavirus becomes much more real when the beloved school cook Mrs Stebbings is taken into hospital with it. He and his class embark on a school project about Mrs Stebbings’ childhood during World War 2 to try to let her know how much they all care about her and Cymbeline finds himself on a journey of discovery, exploration, and love. This is a story that highlights covid and lockdown from the perspective of a child. It’s the fourth book by Adam Baron featuring Cymbeline, his family, and friends and the first in the series Boy Underwater, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Beautifully written, featuring characters that the reader will love. Full of humorous touches but also with a poignancy that brings tears to the eyes, it’s a wonderful read.

For ages 8 – 13

Starlet Rivals
Written by Puneet Bhandal
Lantana £7.99 July 2022
ISBN: 978-1915244000

12-year-old Bela has always dreamed of becoming a famous Bollywood star. When the Dance Starz reality TV show gives her the chance to dance in front of the nation, she knows that this could make her dream come true. But will the reality live up to the dream? will she as an outsider fit into a Bollywood filled with the children of movie stars? And who can she trust?

Written by a former Bollywood journalist, this is the first book in a new Bollywood Academy series. It’s a fast-paced story full of drama, with well-drawn characters and if offers a realistic glimpse into the tense world of Bollywood. I particularly liked the cultural perspectives it gives, reflecting real life locations in India, such as Liberty Cinema in Mumbai and the Water Palace in Rajasthan. An absorbing and enjoyable read and I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series.

For age 8+

It’s Her Story: Rosa Parks
Written by Lauren Burke
Illustrated by Shane Clester
Sunbird £7.99 2021
ISBN: 978-1503752948

Part of the ‘It’s Her Story’ series, highlighting the lives of key inspirational women historical figures. This features Rosa Parks. Written in full colour graphic novel format, it aims to bridge the gap between picture books and graphic novels for younger children. What I really liked was that it explores Rosa’s early life and what led her to become a civil rights activist, not just focusing on the Montgomery Bus Boycott. It also tackles the underpinning issues that led to the civil rights movement in a sensitive and thoughtful way. I personally, often struggle with graphic novels, as I don’t find their structure easy to read but this is really well done. The illustrations complement the story very well. The other titles in the series are Marie Curie and Amelia Earhart. An excellent series, perfect for children who enjoy reading about other people’s lives.

For age 6+

Football 4 Every1
Written by Paul Cookson
Illustrated by Matin Chatterton
Macmillan £5.99 2020
ISBN: 978-1529 022711

An excellent collection of funny. Upbeat poems about football by the Poet in Residence at the National Football Museum. The book includes ninety-two poems, which is a poem for every minute of a game, including half time and extra time. The collection included poems covering

the fun of kicking a ball around with your mates, the thrill of going to a match, football chant like poems, and greatest goals. Two of my personal favourites are ‘Tight Knit Team’ and ‘When the Wasp Flew Up My Brother’s Shorts.’ Paul Cookson is a brilliant poet and performer and this is a collection for ‘footy fans’ everywhere, especially during the summer when there are no football matches!

For ages: 7 – 11

One Time
Written by Sharon Creech
Illustrated by Sarah Horne
Guppy Books £6.99 2022
ISBN: 978-1913101664

Gina Filomena has an active imagination and an artistic spirit, which has always made her feel different from the other children in her class. But her world changes when she meets her mysterious new neighbour Antonio and a creative new teacher Miss Lighthouse arrives to teach her class. Miss Lighthouse shows children the power of words and how the imagination can take those words and open up a world of possibilities. This is an extraordinary novel. As well as a wonderful read, with characters that are real and reflective of small community America it also contains so many creative writing ideas that could be used with children in the classroom and at home. Beautifully written, full of humour and poignancy, it’s a book that every teacher who sometimes wonders if they make a difference, and every child with an imagination and a dream should read. It is a joyous example of the transformative power of the imagination, the effects of an inspirational teacher and the journey to becoming who you are. I absolutely LOVED it and it has shot into the top five books I’ve read so far this year.

For ages 9+

Just Like Grandpa Jazz
Written by Tarah Gear
Illustrated by Mirna Imamovic
Owlet Press £7.99 2022
ISBN: 978-1913339104

Grandpa Jazz is a storyteller, always telling his grandson Frank, tales of his life. When Frank is helping Grandpa Jazz pack for a trip to visit his homeland of Mauritius, Frank discovers that each piece of his luggage has a story to tell about the family’s history. When they finally get to the airport to see Grandpa Jazz off, Frank discovers a surprise waiting for him and the beginning of his own adventure. A warm depiction of a close, mixed heritage family, but which also gently highlights the challenges and racism that family members have had to deal with through the years. The book also celebrates the joyful special relationship that a grandson shares with his grandpa. Every single book published by Owlet Press, a small independent publisher, is worth buying and adding to school and family collections and this one is no exception. Their books focus on Black and mixed heritage families and all of them have discussion notes or activity sheets downloadable from the website www.owletpress.com

For age 4+

Shu Lin’s Grandpa
Written by Matt Goodfellow
Illustrated by Yu Rong
Otter Barry Books £8.99 2022
ISBN: 978-1913074081

Shu Lin, a Chinese immigrant girl, starts her new school. She and her classmates initially don’t know how to connect with each other. But when her grandpa comes to school and shows the class his paintings, everything changes. Even though he can’t speak English, the children appreciate the beauty and messages of his paintings. A truly inspiring picture book that demonstrates that the language of art and creativity is universal and how art & imagination can help build empathy and understanding. The illustrations are beautiful and work in perfect harmony with the text and the double gatefold spread of Grandpa’s painting is just stunning. Shortlisted for the 2022 Yoto Kate Greenaway Medal, this is a very special picture book that should be included in every classroom empathy collection

For ages: 4+

The Music in Me
Written by Sophy Henn
Illustrated by Sophy Henn
Simon & Schuster £6.99 2022
ISBN: 978-1471194252

A rhyming picture book that explains to children in an enjoyable way that we are all made of music and that each of us must find the music in us. Sometimes we will need happy tunes, sometimes sleepy swoons or slow beats or marching feet – but there will always be music in us for every mood. A vibrant, joyous picture book with bright, colourful illustrations that make this such fun to read aloud or read alone. An incredibly positive message for children about our different emotions and how to handle them. I guarantee you will be looking for your own music once you finish reading this!

For ages: 3 – 7

Gretel The Wonder Mammoth
Written by Kim Hillyard
Illustrated by Kim Hillyard
Ladybird £6.99 2022
ISBN: 978-0241488560

Gretel the last woolly mammoth breaks free from her icy shell. Everyone is so excited to meet her and they call her the Wonder Mammoth. But although she has lots of new friends who love her, she feels a bit overwhelmed and lonely but doesn’t tell her new friends this, because she doesn’t want to upset them. They sense something is wrong and show Gretel how important it is to speak out and share her feelings when things feel scary. A delightful picture book with a positive message for children about being honest about how they are feeling. Gorgeous bright illustrations with a layout that works well with the text. A perfect book for empathy collections too.

For ages: 3 – 7

Gloria’s Porridge
Written by Elizabeth Laird
Illustrated by Toby Newsome
Tiny Owl £7.99 2021
ISBN: 978-1910328682

Award winning author Elizabeth Laird creates a lively story inspired by an Ethiopian folk tale. Gloria cooks porridge but won’t share it with her cat. While she is outsi8de waiting for the porridge to cool, the cat decides to have a taste and ends up eating all the porridge. Gloria is furious when she discovers this and fleeing in fear, the cat sets of a chain reaction among the other animals. An enjoyable story that has a gentle underpinning message to help children understand that actions can have consequences and that sharing is good. The feel of its Ethiopian traditions come through strongly from the t4ext and the whimsical, richly evocative illustrations. Good for reading aloud and for a child to read alone.

For age 4+

The Pirate Mums
Written by Jodie Lancet-Grant
Illustrated by Lydia Corry
Oxford Children’s Books £6.99 2021
ISBN: 978-0192777799

Billy’s two mums are creative, fun and do lots of things differently to other mums. Sometimes he wishes they could be more of a ‘normal’ family. When he is due to go on a school trip to the seaside, which includes a boat trip, he is horrified when his mums volunteer to help and try to go dressed as pirates. But when the boat runs into trouble and it is his mums’ nautical knowledge and creativity that saves the day, Billy gains a new appreciation of their uniqueness. Such a fabulous, fun, debut picture book – this is an author to watch out for. A rollicking text, accompanied by joyful, vibrant illustrations make this an adventure children that al children will love. It is a heart-warming celebration of LBGTQ+ families and depicts same sex families with warmth, respect, and empathy.

For age 3+

Small’s Big Dream
Written by Manjeet Mann
Illustrated by Amanda Quartey
Harper Collins £6.99 2022
ISBN: 978-0008501099

Small lived in a small house. Her room is small, with a small window and at night she slept in a small bed with a too small blanket. BUT Small has BIG dreams and discovers that no matter how small your world is, if you dream big, anything and everything can happen. This is a great inclusive picture book from the 2021 Costa Children’s Book award winning author. Its lyrical text combines with gloriously imaginative illustrations to give a child an empowering message that no matter how many times you may be told that you can’t do something – if you dream big and have a bit of courage, anything is achievable.

For age 4+

Let’s Tell A Story: Jungle Adventure
Written by Lily Murray
Illustrated by Essi Kimpimaki
Quarto Wide Eyed Edition £7.99 2022
ISBN: 978-0711260793

A classic choose your own adventure style picture book with a twist, enabling children to create hundreds of their own stories. An opening double paged spread explains how the book works and then the subsequent double paged spreads give them the choices

• Which hero do you want to be?
• Why are you exploring the jungle
• What do you want to get dressed up in?
• What do you need to take with you
• Do you want anyone to travel with you?
• How will you make your way through the jungle?
• Which route do you want to take?
• Who is there to greet you?
• Where’s your hero hangout?
• An enemy has appeared – who is it?
• What will the enemy do to you?
• Which way out will you choose?
• What will you choose as your reward?
• What happens next – your ending!

Bright, vibrant illustrations, an exciting array of choices, an endless range of story possibilities to make up, share aloud or write down as individuals or in groups and clear guidance make this a fabulous book to spark children’s creativity and story making abilities. Ideal for classroom and for at home summer holiday activities.

For ages 5 – 11

Mwikali and the Forbidden Mask : Intasimi Warriors Book 1
Written by Shiko Nguru
Lantana £7.99 2022
ISBN: 978-1915244031

12-year-old Mwikali moves to a new school in Nairobi and just wants life to be normal. However, when she discovers that she is descended from an ancient bloodline of legendary warriors she finds herself joining Soni, Odwar & Xirsi to fight an ancient evil and in doing so discovers and who she is. The first in the Intisimi Warriors series, this is a fast paced, gripping story, inspired by East African mythology. Highlighting modern & historical Kenyan custom, traditions, and culture, the book also focuses on the issues around the conflict between history and tradition versus modernity & globalisation. It also deals very sensitively with the issues of a young girl trying to find her place in the world. an enjoyable fantasy adventure story that is not only a great read but gives many opportunities for discussion of the issues it focuses on. I can’t wait for Book 2!

For ages: 10 – 14

What is politics? Why should we care?
Written by Michael Rosen & Anne Marie Young
Wayland £9.99 2022
ISBN: 978-1526309068

The book shows children & young people, what politics is all about, introduces them to various aspects of politics and shows them how people have responded politically to situations and events in history. The book’s aim is to get young people thinking for themselves, discussing with others the big questions the book raises and how they relate to the lives and political ideas of the reader and it does this extremely well. It also highlights a few people involved in politics such as Ninko Ali, Sir Stephen O’Brien, Michelle Dorrell & James Graham each of whom highlights their own thoughts and experiences. Well structured, thought provoking, very readable and written by two eminently respectable authors. Given the political landscape that we have been experiencing this is a superb book that would be a great read for young people interested in learning about politics and will challenge them to think.

For ages 8 – 14

Annie Everall
Director, Authors Aloud UK