Author & Illustrators
Is It a Seed? is an imaginative picture book that encourages wonder. A young girl and her brother discover an unusual seed, prompting a flurry of speculation about what it might become – from a tiny flower to a giant’s beanstalk.
The story captures something of the wonder of planting seeds for young children, making it a perfect classroom choice for EYFS children learning about growing plants or life cycles.
The bright illustrations vividly depict these potential scenarios imagined as the family plants the seed. The book also gently encourages a connection with the natural world, making it a delightful read-aloud that celebrates curiosity and the magic of growing plants.
If you are looking for a story to inspire friendship in your classroom, then The Blue Umbrella is a perfect choice.
The story starts with a litle girl who finds a blue umbrella on her doorstep. She takes it with her as she goes for a walk with her mum. As she strolls, the rain begins and she starts to offer shelter to the people in her community. The umbrella grows and grows to fit more and more people under it, with surprising results.
This is such a heartwarming tale which is easy for younger children to understand. It offers lots of opportunities to talk about being a good friend and what it means to be part of a community. It can sometimes be tricky to understand how children can make a difference but the umbrella device perfectly is used to show that small actions can make a big difference and start as a catalyst for change.
The Blue Umbrella is a wonderful story to enjoy in its own right but would be a fantastic story to share as part of citizenship lessons or when focusing on community events or friendship.
Finding a book that entertains, educates, and imparts valuable life skills is a joy. “Every Bunny is a Yoga Bunny,” written by debut author Emily Ann Davison and beautifully illustrated by Deborah Allwright, is a must-have for educators, parents, and professionals interested in children’s education and well-being.
At the heart of this funny and reassuring picture book is Yo-Yo, a bunny with energy levels many educators and parents will recognise! Yo-Yo is the epitome of a child full of life, unable to sit still, always bouncing and fidgeting, much to the amusement and sometimes exasperation of those around her. The narrative cleverly introduces Yo-Yo’s encounter with yoga through her Grandpa, a scenario that initially seems unlikely to capture her whirlwind of energy.
However, as the story unfolds, Yo-Yo finds herself in a situation that many children can find daunting—lost and alone in a scary place. Through Yo-Yo’s journey, the story explores mindfulness, self-regulation, and the importance of finding calm in our often chaotic lives. The progression from high energy to a soothing, reassuring bedtime ending is masterfully done, providing a narrative arc that mirrors the calming effect yoga can have on both body and mind.
The vibrant illustrations by the award-winning Deborah Allwright bring the tale of Yo-Yo to life with charm and warmth. Including three pages of simple step-by-step yoga instructions is a stroke of genius. This practical application allows children to directly connect with Yo-Yo’s experience, encouraging them to stretch, breathe, and find calm alongside the character. For educators and professionals, this presents a unique opportunity to incorporate mindfulness and physical activity into their classroom setting, therapy, or home environment. It is a fun teaching tool to teach important emotional regulation skills and the basics of yoga in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for young readers. The story demonstrates the power of yoga to bring peace and self-assurance in times of distress, a lesson that is invaluable for children growing up in a fast-paced and sometimes overwhelming world.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
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Any other comments