Age 7 plus:
Illustrated by Ulla Thynell
LEAVE behind the warmth of summer and enjoy the magical ice cold of winter with a collection of Nordic folk tales guaranteed to chill, thrill and amaze!
Ulla Thynell, an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer
based in Helsinki, has dug deep into the folklore of Norway, Sweden, Iceland,
Denmark and her native Finland, to gather together sixteen traditional tales which
transport readers to enchanting Nordic landscapes full of light and darkness,
exciting adventures, alternative worlds, and stunning illustrations.
Translated and transcribed by folklorists in the 19th
century, and presented here in their unabridged charm, the stories are by turns
magical, hilarious, cosy, and chilling.
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| WATERCOLOUR MAGIC: Artist Ulla Thynell |
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The traditional folk tales provide a fascinating view into
Nordic culture and Thynell’s atmospheric watercolour illustrations conjure up all
the drama and wonder of dragons, princesses, soaring mountains and the green,
glowing northern lights.
This special edition features an embossed, textured hardback
cover and a ribbon marker, and is the perfect gift for thrill-seekers, culture
vultures and anyone looking for an early Christmas present.
(Chronicle Books, hardback, £16.99)
Age 7 plus:
Detectiving and Stuff
John Dougherty and Katie Abey
HANDS UP if you like stories that make you laugh? In answer to the rows of young hands now reaching for the sky, there’s miles of smiles and giggles galore (guaranteed!) when you are in the company of author John Dougherty, the Irish funny man who puts comedy into capers.
So make sure you get on the case with the unlikely sleuths,
Mark the boy and Shark the… er, shark, in a brilliant new adventure story that
puts laugh-out-loud fun into the not-too-serious business of detective work.
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| GIGGLES GALORE John Dougherty |
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| QUIRKY PICTURES: Illustrator Katie Abey |
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Meet Mark (a boy) and Shark (a shark)… you might not believe it but they are best friends. Mark is great at detectiving and Shark loves doing… well, stuff, so they are the perfect team to solve any problems, big or small.
When an enormous polar bear asks for their help with her ice cream business, Mark and Shark are straight on the case. But when Jimmy the Fridge and his gang decide to get involved too, it’s not just the ice creams that are going into meltdown. Mark and Shark end up doing more detectiving than they bargained for… and it’s fast, it’s furious, and it’s really, really messy!
There’s guaranteed guffaws from start to finish as Dougherty
rolls out a cast of outlandish characters, including a magnificent horse called
Clive, an enormous polar bear, a small penguin, a gang of really bad baddies,
and great dollops of ice cream.
With lots of unexpected twists and turns, a plot in which
everyone seems to lose the plot, and a master storyteller orchestrating all the
frantic, fast-paced action, this is ideal for reluctant readers, and perfect
for sharing at bedtime as youngsters laugh all the way to the Land of Nod!
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £6.99)
Age 3 plus:
Chris Chatterton
EVERYONE feels grumpy sometimes… even a dog! Banish all those frowns and downs at a stroke with this funny and beautifully perceptive picture book from author and illustrator Chris Chatterton who says the story of the doggedly dour Gus is based on his own grumpy moods!
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| IN THE MOOD: Chris Chatterton |
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Youngsters will be giggling away their own grumps when they get their hands on the lugubrious Gus and enjoy his salutary lessons on bad moods, the art of compromise, making new friends… and sharing.
Bright, bold and charmingly expressive illustrations add to the sense of sardonic fun that radiates from every page as youngsters get to grips with understanding their own mood swings, and accept that we all have Gus days, whether we are humans or animals!
(Macmillan Children’s Books, paperback, £6.99)
Age 3 plus:
Verna Wilkins and Carl Pearce
A LITTLE boy’s jaw-dropping plan to fool the tooth fairy comes unstuck when his grandad makes a surprise discovery… Experience the magic of a much-loved picture book classic about a little boy and the tooth fairy with a gallery of sparkling new illustrations from Welsh wizard Carl Pearce.
First released in 1993 and featuring two leading BAME (black,
Asian and minority ethnic) characters, Dave and the Tooth Fairy broke new
ground when it was published by Tamarind over 25 years ago. It was written by
Grenada-born Verna Wilkins, founder of Tamarind Books, a publishing company she
set up in 1987 to produce books with the aim of giving children of colour a
sense of self and personal value.
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Click here for Lancashire Post review
She went on to become the author of forty picture books and
eight biographies of young people, with some featured on BBC children’s TV and
included in the national curriculum for schools.
Updated for a new generation and with Pearce’s bold and
colourful illustrations, this clever, comical story – featuring a computer-literate,
independent-minded tooth fairy – has lost none of its charm and charisma.
Dave Alexander Curtis has a wobbly tooth. He wibbles and
wobbles it backwards and forwards, but it won’t come out. But then one day Dave
lets out an enormous sneeze and the tooth flies across the room and vanishes.
Dave searches high and low, but it’s nowhere to be seen. No tooth means no
visit from the tooth fairy, and no money for a new kite. How will he get the
tooth fairy to visit him now… with the unwitting help of Grandad’s false teeth,
perhaps Dave’s crafty plan might save the day!
Wilkins’ unique, humorous spin on the tooth fairy tradition
will delight a new generation of youngsters… and help to fill the gap whilst
they grow a shiny, new set of teeth!
(Studio Press, paperback, £6.99)
Age 3 plus:
Libby Walden and Clover Robin
LET your little ones get up close to nature in a stunning lift-the-flap board book written by popular author Libby Walden and illustrated by exciting artist and designer Clover Robin.
Animal Homes, a Clover Robin Book of Nature, combines
enchanting, informative illustrations with lots of bite-sized,
easy-to-understand facts, making it the ideal introduction to the wonderful
world of animal homes and incredible habitats where creatures rest high above
our heads, and where burrowing beasts dig deep into the earth.
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| RIGHT AT HOME: Clover Robin |
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With lots to learn about on every page, these books are
ideal for both home and school, and will encourage children to treasure
creatures of the wild and to take a closer look at the amazing world of nature.
Also in this imaginative nature series are Bug Hotel and
Bird House which provide fascinating facts on creepy crawlies of all shapes and
sizes, and home-made habitats where birds can safely rest and nest.
(Caterpillar Books, board book, £8.99)
Age 3 plus:
Poppy Bishop and Jonny Lambert
‘Across the world, on land and sea,
Are creatures living wild and free.
And each one has a precious home –
‘A habitat,’ as it is known.’
Jonny Lambert, the award-winning author, illustrator,
designer and paper engineer, is back to steal our hearts and please our eye
with a stunning picture book which explores the world’s animal habitats.
Where in the Wild is an intriguing peep-through picture book
celebration of the natural world but it also carries a stark warning to a new
generation of children about the importance of saving these wilds from
destruction.
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Click here for Lancashire Post review
It has been written by Poppy Bishop whose lyrical, rhyming
text is full of fascinating facts about different habitats which aim to inspire
little ones to love nature and explore in the great outdoors.
Some animals, like foxes and wolves, we learn, have adapted
to live in many different places. Others are found in one type of habitat and
if their habitat is destroyed, then they will have nowhere to live.
Habitats can be big, like a huge, grassy meadow, and small, like a rotting log on a forest floor. Sometimes humans damage habitats by cutting down trees in rainforests, turning wilderness into farms and polluting seas and rivers. The result is that animals lose their homes so it is important that we look after wild places so that all animals can thrive.
Habitats can be big, like a huge, grassy meadow, and small, like a rotting log on a forest floor. Sometimes humans damage habitats by cutting down trees in rainforests, turning wilderness into farms and polluting seas and rivers. The result is that animals lose their homes so it is important that we look after wild places so that all animals can thrive.
Lambert’s artistic skills take flight with creatures big and
small, under the sea and on land, in the sky and under the ground, and little
ones will love identifying the wildlife, whether that is giant giraffes and
elephants, or tiny insects and beautiful butterflies.
A picture and word perfect way to engage the youngest
children with the world around them… and impress on them the importance of
saving it from destruction.
(Little Tiger Press, hardback, £6.99)
Age 3 plus:
Isabel Otter and Katie Rewse
THEMES of anxiety and sadness are also explored in a beautiful and poignant picture book from talented duo, author Isabel Otter and illustrator Katie Rewse.
The Garden of Hope is a simple story of one girl and her dad
struggling to cope with the loss of a mother but it carries a powerful message
that speaks volumes about hope, regeneration, beauty and love.
Mum ‘knew that by the time the seeds had grown, those worries would have faded away. She called them her seeds of hope.’
Mum ‘knew that by the time the seeds had grown, those worries would have faded away. She called them her seeds of hope.’
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| REASSURING: Isabel Otter |
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| TALENT: Katie Rewse |
When Dad senses Maya’s worry, he tells her the story of how
Mum nourished her garden, and in turn, how that garden nourished her.
As Maya sets about clearing weeds, sowing new seeds and
reviving the neglected garden, she finds comfort and happiness in watching new
growth bloom as a result of her care. The garden hums with flowers, animals,
insects and life, and Maya discovers she has forgotten the worries she planted
with the seeds.
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Otter explores the fragile and yet heartwarming relationship
between a father and daughter as they navigate their changed lives together. By
leaving the absence of Mum open to interpretation, the book is ideal for those
looking to open a discussion not only about the subject of bereavement and
loss, but also an absent parent in the case of family breakdown.
The Garden of Hope is a reassuring, tender and moving story,
brought to life by the evocative and atmospheric illustrations of new talent
Katie Rewse. A picture book to treasure, especially during times of family
upheaval.
(Caterpillar Books, paperback, £6.99)
Age 3 plus:
Your House Is A Zoo?
John Kelly and Steph Laberis
CHOOSING the right pet isn’t as easy as you might think… Author John Kelly and illustrator Steph Laberis have fun with this wonderfully anarchic picture book story about a boy who advertises for a new pet and gets a lot more than he bargained for when a madcap menagerie of strange creatures start arriving on his doorstep!
Oscar is over the moon because his mum and dad have finally
said he can have a pet. The problem is he can’t decide which pet he should
pick. So what could be better than an advert in the paper? ‘Could you be the
perfect pet for me? If so, contact me, Oscar, at: 99 Ice Cream Drive, Little
Bumbling.’
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And after a deluge of replies and a dizzying choice of pets, including a gorilla and a whale, some of them make an unexpected appearance. What on earth will he do when they all move in? His house has turned into a zoo!
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And after a deluge of replies and a dizzying choice of pets, including a gorilla and a whale, some of them make an unexpected appearance. What on earth will he do when they all move in? His house has turned into a zoo!
Kelly’s hilariously funny and inventive story ramps up the
comedy action as everything from mobilised meerkats and dam-building beavers to
race horses and space monkeys come tumbling through Oscar’s front door.
Children will love the joyful sense of chaos that runs
throughout this crazy but essentially warm-hearted story and the wonderfully
funny letters that arrive in response to Oscar’s advertisement. And with
Laberis’ quirky, cartoon-style illustrations on every page, this is the perfect
caper for animal (and fun!) lovers of every age.
(Little Tiger Press, paperback, £6.99)
Age 2 plus:
Rachel Quarry
WHEN there’s a new member of the family on the horizon, it sometimes needs a little bit of imagination to make them truly welcome! If your child is feeling unsure about the prospect of a little brother or sister, here’s the perfect book to calm fears and ensure that the new arrival is greeted with open arms, and a warm heart.
Polly has a friend, Bunny. He may be an imaginary friend but
nonetheless Polly absolutely MUST use the pushchair that was hers as a baby to
push Bunny around.
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So when Polly’s parents need the pushchair for a new arrival in the family, they try all sorts of ways to persuade Polly to give it up… a doll’s pram, a baby carrier, a trike trailer. But ultimately the situation is resolved, thanks to Polly’s imaginative solution which means everyone – including Bunny – is happy!
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So when Polly’s parents need the pushchair for a new arrival in the family, they try all sorts of ways to persuade Polly to give it up… a doll’s pram, a baby carrier, a trike trailer. But ultimately the situation is resolved, thanks to Polly’s imaginative solution which means everyone – including Bunny – is happy!
Rachel Quarry’s cute and cuddly picture book offers a fun
and playful story, gentle reassurance for confused youngsters struggling with
the concept of a new baby in the family, and special smiles for any child who
is lucky enough to have an imaginary friend.
With a gallery of gorgeous illustrations and messages about new
siblings and family love, this is a book just made for sharing…
(Oxford University Press, paperback, £6.99)
Age 2 plus:
Caryl Hart and Ed Eaves
ADVENTURE-LOVING Albie might just have bitten off more than he can chew when lunchtime turns into a flying visit to Ancient Egypt!
How to Find Egyptian Treasure is the ninth book in favourite
author Caryl Hart and talented illustrator Ed Eaves’ much-loved, picture book
action series featuring the irrepressible Albie and his amazing adventures.
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| ACTION SERIES: Caryl Hart |
There he finds Tuti and Anka, the Pharaoh’s children, and together they go on an exciting adventure to hunt for some lost family treasure. But will they make it out of the dark and winding catacombs in time for lunch?
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Ancient history has never been so much fun in this
breathless, up-pyramids, down-dunes adventure with Albie and his Egyptian
friends as they race to find treasure and escape some scary tomb raiders.
Packed with Eaves’ bold, colourful illustrations, plenty of action and knockabout fun, this is the perfect setting for young imaginations to take flight on their own historical adventures!
(Simon & Schuster, paperback, £6.99)
Age 2 plus:
Tim Hopgood
MUSIC maestro, please! Let your little ones get ready for bedtime with this musical story and singalong CD extravaganza.
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| IN FULL FLOW: Tim Hopgood |
This gorgeous picture book from exciting illustrator Tim
Hopgood centres on the beautiful song Moon River, composed by Henry Mancini
with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song
for its performance by Audrey Hepburn in the iconic 1961 film Breakfast at
Tiffany’s.
Through words and music, we follow a little girl on a
magical, dream-like journey along the Moon River.
It flows from her bedroom and out into the big wide world just waiting to be discovered. And she’s soon to be joined by other children who are all excited to be exploring the beautiful world together. There is such a lot of world to see! Hopgood’s bold and evocative illustrations offer magic, mystery and the spirit of discovery, while the song, here performed by Andy Williams, rings in everyone’s ears. There is also an exclusive reading with page-turn signals.
It flows from her bedroom and out into the big wide world just waiting to be discovered. And she’s soon to be joined by other children who are all excited to be exploring the beautiful world together. There is such a lot of world to see! Hopgood’s bold and evocative illustrations offer magic, mystery and the spirit of discovery, while the song, here performed by Andy Williams, rings in everyone’s ears. There is also an exclusive reading with page-turn signals.
So join the drifters off to see the world and watch as your
own little ones sail gently off to sleep!
(OUP, paperback and CD, £8.99)
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