Construction (EYFS)

This is a beautifully illustrated very simply story book for young children. The story tells the story of ‘digger’ and his companions searching for their missing cone friend.

With a very simple storyline and lovely illustrations, this picturebook by Morag Hood would appeal most to pre-school and reception age children,  and especially those with an interest in vehicles and construction.

Iggy Peck is a young boy with a passion for building. No matter what materials he has to hand (from apples to nappies), he manages to use them to construct another new amazing creation. When Iggy’s new teacher bans building, Iggy will have to find a way to convince her that his architecture skills are very useful indeed. There is also an accompanying STEM activity book.

Number 7 Evergreen street is an absolute joy to read.

The book begins with Penelope Petersham, who lives in a flat in an old, grey building. However, as the story unfolds you meet the wonderful and diverse people sharing the building with her, who add colour and sparkle to the seemingly dull surroundings.

One day however, Penelope begins to worry about the strange yellow diggers and cones arriving outside her flat. Her and the occupants of the flat begin to fear that the building will soon be destroyed. However, Penelope and her friends work together, using their own special talents to try and save their home from the Mayors very big plans.

This story celebrates the power of communities working together and the importance of making friends. At the end of this tale, you see how nature and a little bit of love can make a small flat something very special indeed.

“Rubbish? Don’t Throw it Away” is a delightful, innovative book for early years education in the 21st century. It is a wonderful resource to introduce concepts of recycling and sustainability to children. It’s a story that invites young readers to think differently about the ‘stuff’ around them, fostering an early respect for the environment and teaching the value of resourcefulness and creativity.

Linda Newbury’s narrative skillfully introduces young readers to the Dragonflies Nursery, a group of industrious children who brilliantly transform what most consider ‘trash’ into treasured items. The book’s lively prose is peppered with imaginative ideas, showcasing how everyday waste items can be repurposed and brought to life again. It’s a testament to the power of creativity and problem-solving, underpinned by a clear, essential message about recycling and reducing waste.

Katie Rewse’s vibrant illustrations perfectly complement Newbury’s text, adding depth, character, and life to each page. Each illustration is eye-catching and detailed, offering opportunities to explore and engage with the transformation of pine cones into decorative owls or turning old curtains into amazing costumes.

“Rubbish? Don’t Throw it away” is a must-have addition to any preschool library or classroom. Parents and carers, too, will find the book enjoyable and inspirational. It’s not just about telling children what they can do with their ‘rubbish’ – it’s about sparking their imagination to develop their own ideas. It’s about laying the foundation for a generation that sees not waste but potential, reinforcing that every object, no matter how seemingly trivial, has potential value if approached with creativity and ingenuity.

This delightful book has become an instant favourite. The eye-catching cover gives clues to the reader and after reading, be prepared for your younger readers to begin to build fantastic creations out of boxes. It is a dream story for children (and adults to read!) and most people remember a time when, on a receiving a gift, the child wants to play with the box!

The main character, Meg, is marvellous and feels very special on being the first ‘boxitect’ in her class. When another child joins, who is also a boxitect, this causes competition and resentment as to who is the best. As the story progresses, the message of working together and building on each other’s successes is key, as well as celebrating other children’s achievement. A message of friendship and teamwork is clear.

At the end of the story it, there is a section about ‘Why is cardboard so extraordinary?’ and instructions on how to make a tunnel and a castle. It really was inspirational and the day after reading this as a bedtime story my 5 year old daughter made a robot out of cardboard which she wore over her head and arms- be prepared for this to inspire young crafters!

A beautifully illustrated book with real design qualities that even children who are not already interested in cranes or diggers will be fascinated by. Those who do love cranes and diggers will be in raptures as the details of a large-scale building project are explored with real authority.

The lively illustrations are beautifully created, and the small details, such as the bird’s nest on top of the crane and the mysterious cat (or is it a fox?) watching from afar, mean that multiple readings will reveal new things each time. 

The book also has a glossary and a list of tools at the back, which means teachers can use these to teach useful non-fiction reading skills and develop vocabulary. However, this is also a book to be read, enjoyed, talked about and shared by children. I can see it becoming one of the favourite books during reading time, and I daresay it will be included on many children’s present lists.

This is a fantastic twist on the classic fairy tale ‘The Three Little Pigs’. In this hilarious new version of the story, the three little wolves build houses of bricks, concrete and steel in an attempt to escape the Big Bad Pig, who is well armed with a tool kit including a sledgehammer and a pneumatic drill. Highly recommended.