Branching Out: Books for Fans of Elmer

This is a popular picture book with a message about the right to follow individual choices even when it means opting to be different from others. Biff is not like ordinary dogs. Instead of chasing sticks and scratching his fleas, Biff likes moonlight, music and walking on tiptoes. Biff does not see himself as a dog but as a ballerina. Can he follow his dreams despite the way others see him? Dogs Don’t Do Ballet is an important story about allowing ourselves and others the freedom to express individual liberty.

We love this highly original picturebook from Nadia Shireen.

The story is about a bear called Norman, who concocts a plot to get more honey by dressing up as a bee and attending bee school. Children will love Norman’s hilarious attempts to convince his teacher and classmates that he’s a real bee. This is a really funny book with hilarious twists and turns, and ultimately a happy resolution about acceptance and being true to oneself.

The illustrations add to the sheer fun and this book is a real hoot to read aloud. Children love being in on the secret of knowing more than the characters about who Norman really is.

Hugely enjoyable and a big hit with 5-7 year olds.

A classroom classic that his become treasured by children and adults alike. Rainbow Fish has glittering scales and is the most beautiful fish in the ocean. When his vanity gets in the way of friendships with the other ocean creatures, Rainbow Fish becomes lonely and isolated. He shares his beautiful scales and learns that connecting with others is much more important than being the shiniest fish. A lovely storytime favourite about he value of sharing and friendship.

This bright picturebook by Anthony Browne is set against the backdrop of a tropical jungle and follows a curious elephant who takes a wander and becomes lost from his Mum.

The jungle plants and animals are beautifully depicted in the illustrations, with clever patterns and hidden motifs injecting a real layer of intrigue and fun surprise into this lost and found story.

The simple story structure and evocative descriptions make this story book a good choice for infant classrooms, with a fun cast of animal characters to appeal to children.

Carybara Disco Dreams is a joyful and entertaining story that instantly captured the children’s attention during story time in my Year 2 class. From the very first page, the book dazzles with its wonderful, eye-catching illustrations that are bright and colourful. The pictures perfectly match the lively disco theme and kept everyone excited to see what would happen next.

A capybara is a very popular but underrepresented animal for many children and the playful characters and silly moments created lots of giggles. The book also includes some rhyme, which gives the story a fun rhythm and makes it even more enjoyable to share together.

This book has a lovely message that comes across. Beneath the sparkle and dancing, the story encourages children to be themselves, feel confident and have lots of fun without worrying about what others think. It celebrates individuality in a way that young readers can easily understand.

Overall, this is a delightful picture book that combines laughter, fun and is a must have in any book corner. It is a perfect for story time!

From the author of Unfairies and Sleep Tight, Disgusting Bob, comes a hilarious and beautifully illustrated picture book all about Molly: a fine specimen that one would find living in the jungle at home with all the other monkeys…except she’s not a monkey…she’s a pig-a monkey-pig! But isn’t she just what every troop of monkeys needs?!

This book shows that you can be who you want to be and others should accept you for who you are – not what you look like or how you eat a banana!

This is a great book to share with KS1. It is filled to the brim with a rich vocabulary that encourages discussion and exploration. A picture book worthy of every bookshelf — and one sure to make us smile.

Adele, a flamingo with hidden rainbow feathers, struggles with her uniqueness, but as she embraces her true colours, she discovers the joy of being herself. This story encourages children to celebrate their individuality and find confidence in authenticity. The illustrations are wonderful – you’ll just love the colours – and Catherine’s rhyming is – as ever- totally spot-on.

Gretel, a woolly mammoth from prehistoric times, has been encased in ice for thousands of years until one peaceful Tuesday morning when the ice cracks and she pops out to greet the world again. At first, everything is marvellous – she learns about the modern world, shares amazing stories and is loved by the locals (some very friendly seabirds). But all these new changes are a little fast and overwhelming and, being the last mammoth left on Earth, Gretel starts to feel a bit lonely.

Gretel the Wonder Mammoth shows us that, no matter your size, how many talents you have and even if you are surrounded by friendly faces, everyone can feel anxious, alone and sad. It demonstrates how important it is to speak up and share your feelings when life becomes overwhelming and stressful. This very relatable story is perfect for younger pupils and teaches its readers that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.

The illustrations are fun and engaging, with simple language and cheeky sea birds adorning the pages. The colours link to the emotions of the text and one cannot help but instantly take to the gentle, gregarious Gretel.

I would highly recommend this book for younger readers – in PSHE lessons, assemblies or for children requiring support in overcoming their fears.