Run by children's author, Rachael Davis
The Hug can be read from front-to-back (from Hedgehog’s point of view) or back-to-front (from Tortoise’s point of view). While We Can't Hug is about showing how we love each other during social distancing in the Covid-19 pandemic
2020 hasn’t been the year many of us expected. But through all the craziness, there have been some wonderful picture books published. Here are my favourite picture books of the year!
Arthur Wants a Balloon is about a child’s experience of living with a parent who is suffering from depression. Maia and the Very Tall Wall is about a child’s own journey of feeling trapped and learning to break down barriers.
Too Much Stuff by Emily Gravett is a wonderful rhyming story about two magpies called Meg and Ash who want to build the perfect nest for their eggs.
From “Stay in line like Picasso” to “Lay it on thick like Vincent van Gogh”, this quirky art guide covers a huge range of art styles. As you explore each master artist, you find out what makes them unique and also get a related art challenge.
I am super excited to reveal the cover for an incredible upcoming picture book, The Tale of the Whale by Karen Swann and Padmacandra.
Representation in children’s books matters. A LOT. Seeing yourself reflected in books encourages a love of reading and learning to see the world from multiple viewpoints increases empathy. Today, I am discussing the highlights of the CLPE’s 2020 Reflecting Realities report as well as showcasing twenty picture books (fiction and non-fiction) that feature Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic main characters.
If you are looking for a beautiful keepsake compendium for someone who loves magic, fantasy and mythology, then look no further. The two books I’m showcasing today are gorgeously illustrated, magical books that you will want to keep forever.
Wife and husband team, Karrie Fransman and Jonathan Plackett, have created a truly thought-provoking and gorgeously illustrated, collection of fairy tales.
Coming to England: An Inspiring True Story Celebrating the Windrush Generation written by Baroness Floella Benjamin and illustrated by Diane Ewen.
This gorgeously illustrated picture book takes you on a tour of some of the most famous sights of Dublin, with the Dublin Vampire “hiding” on each page.
The Dinosaur Who Lost Her Voice by Julie Ballard & Francesca Gambatesa celebrates the Ability in dis(Ability). Milly Jo has a lovely singing voice, but during a terrible storm a tree falls on top of Milly and she loses her voice.
The Good Bear by Sarah Lean (with illustrations by Fiona Woodcock) recalls the story of a young girl on a visit to Norway to see her estranged father, where she meets and befriends a big friendly bear.
Welcome to Ballet School is a unique and original guide to ballet is a perfect introduction to the joy, skill and creativity of dance.
I am delighted to be featuring The Bear and the Piano trilogy written and illustrated by the phenomenal, David Litchfield. In the last chapter of bear’s musical adventure, The Bear, the Piano, and Little Bear’s Concert, Bear’s best concert days are behind him and he is now a father.
The Spots and the Dots can be read front-to-back (from the point of view of the Spots) or back-to-front (from the point of view of the Dots). Both the Spots and the Dots have grown up fearing each other to be “bad through and through”.
Five brilliant picture books and board books on the theme of kindness, that have been published during this pandemic.
Did you know that some young fairies can be incredibly… grumpy! And not just a bit grumpy, foot-stomping, frowny, bottom-lip-sticking-outy kind of grumpy.
Gertie is the littlest yak and wants to grow up NOW. She wants bigness and tallness because smallness is good for nothing.
We all get scared. We’re only human. But what about superheroes? I’m delighted to be joined on the blog by debut author, Kate Thompson, who alongside the super-talented illustrator, Clare Elsom, has created a marvellous picture book, Superheroes Don’t Get Scared. Maisie Brown is feeling scared and wishes she was a superhero like Burpnado, Specstacular... Continue Reading →
Picture Book Perfect 