Although this is fantasy fiction complete with magic potions and half-witches, Mirabelle’s friendship troubles and their competitive spirit, inspired by a famous female footballer, strike a realistic chord. Some readers might also identify with the temptation to cheat, but then discover “there’s magic in doing something you love and working hard at it to be as good as you can be.”
The concluding quiz is like icing on a yummy cake that’s shared among friends and leaves them feeling happy and eager for more. Harriet Muncaster’s Isadora Moon and Emerald books are firm favourites with KS1 girls in particular, so this title will undoubtedly be popular. And, librarians note: once hooked, children will probably want to progress to Victoria Stitch. Note, too, that the author’s website has lots of creative ideas and interesting questions.
Peggy is an apologetic pigeon. She always assumes she’s in the wrong. Even when she’s the one getting bullied. But Joan, an older female seagull, gives her the necessary skills to stand up for herself. This hilarious tale from award-winning author Wendy Meddour contains an important message about the importance of being assertive. Carmen Saldana’s illustrations are full of personality and humour.
The day of the new king’s coronation has arrived. It’s a stupendous day, an exciting day, a MOST important day – and everyone, from the King’s butler to the palace guards, is feeling nervous. They’re all getting ready when Colin, the King’s Jack Russell, grabs the crown and runs away. Soon, he is being chased by the butler, the guards – even the pigeons and crowd gathered for the event! But it takes little Violet, aged 5, to work out what the problem is. Maybe Colin is nervous about his important new job as the King’s dog. Actually, everyone else admits they’re nervous too – especially the King, who has the biggest job of all. Can Violet help get Colin and the crown back to the King in time for the coronation? A fun royal caper covering themes of anxiety, empathy and community in a light-touch and warm-hearted way – with a non-fiction page about coronations at the end of the book.
A beautifully illustrated board book that delights in everything that grows, from red strawberries to yellow bananas. With bright, joyful art, it is a beautiful introduction to colours, and shows the youngest children how colours can be mixed to create new ones. It ends with a stunning fold-out rainbow to make this a truly special book for the youngest children.
Freya loves rainbows. She loves their bright colours and their curvy shape. More than anything, she wishes she has one of her very own. One that she can keep forever. So she decides to become a Rainbow Hunter! She searches high and low, but no rainbows are to be found, so she decides to make her own, collecting items in every colour of the rainbow from the garden. But when things don’t go quite to plan, Freya has to use her imagination and creativity to come up with a way to make her wish come true.
A vibrant story from the author of the bestselling The Perfect Fit with technicolour illustrations by Ana Gomez.
Today you’re the bin lorry driver! Your job is to collect the recycling from the town’s busy streets. Let’s go! Enter a world of imaginative play with this fun and immersive insight into the role of a bin lorry driver. Children will love using their imagination to take the driver’s seat and pretend to use the bin lorry’s controls to drive around town, operate the bin lorry’s paddle blade and empty the hopper at the recycling centre! This book puts the reader in charge, to build self-confidence and encourage following instructions, problem solving, and teamwork. The narrative is embedded with early learning skills such as recognition of colours, shapes, and numbers. This makes it perfect to share with children as a fun way to practise these key skills, while spotting their favourite vehicles and making the sound effects. The story ends with a sense of achievement as the rubbish is sorted at the recycling centre.
Today you’re the tractor driver! Your job is to climb aboard the tractor to help out on the farm. Let’s go! Enter a world of imaginative play with this fun and immersive insight into farm vehicles. Children will love using their imagination to take the driver’s seat and pretend to use the tractor’s controls! This book puts the reader in charge, to build self-confidence and encourage following instructions, problem solving, and teamwork. The narrative is embedded with early learning skills such as recognition of colours, shapes, and numbers. This makes it perfect to share with children as a fun way to practise these key skills, while spotting their favourite vehicles and making the sound effects. The story ends with a sense of achievement as all the jobs at the farm are completed.
Martha loves making maps and readers will love exploring them!
Starting in space, zooming down to street level and then inside a home, Martha Maps it Out is a great introduction to finding your way around. In standard picture book story format, it’s also fact-filled and informative. The book certainly suits curious minds who will enjoy exploring the detail to find facts on each double page. We particularly liked the clear labelling and use of colour throughout. The presentation is fun with an illustration style reminiscent of Lauren Child’s collages. There are even interactive mazes in the end-papers!
This geography-themed children’s book would be a great addition to any school library or reading corner and is ideal for children to explore alone, or in small groups as a discussion starter. It could be used to support KS1 topics in geography and maths, such as local area mapping, towns and cities, geographical scale and as a general introduction to map work. A really fun book for young readers.
Frida worries all the time. Big worries, small worries, and all-the-time worries. Her worries feel heavy, just like the pebbles she collects every day. Some days, Frida’s worries become that only thing she can think about.
But then, one day, her granny teaches her an ingenious way to keep her worries in check-and Frida finally feels the weight of her fears slip away . . .
This sensitively written picture book explores how a young girl learns to manage her worries. Jenny Bloomfield’s beautifully observed illustrations bring Frida’s feelings and experiences vividly to life.
‘Everybody Worries’ teaches that regardless of being ‘the coolest of the cool’ or the ‘bravest of the brave’, everyone will worry about something. Brimming with playfulness and good humour, this short picture book explores different scenarios which people may find daunting or upsetting.
With easy-to-read rhyming couplets and repetition, the story welcomes a rhythmical read-aloud to be enjoyed by all. The important message within the words of this book is further enhanced with the iconic and joyful illustrations of Jon Burgerman himself. Children could spend valuable time on each page exploring the subtle humour within the drawings, such as noticing a hidden bear in a shirt pocket or finding a curled-up cat enjoying a tea break. Equally, the characters who worry offer their own quirky features, while also celebrating diversity and inclusion.
In addition to giving examples of worries a child may have, the book also offers valuable advice on how a child may alleviate these concerns, such as drawing the worries or giving them a name. It nods towards mindfulness and breathing techniques, as well as how we can keep ourselves healthy. My favourite element of the book is how it highlights reaching out to others and that ‘we can overcome anything when we’re there for each other’. I would highly recommend this to younger children or children with social and emotional needs. Burgerman has a real talent for creating an important message in a playful way, without being patronising. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing this with my 2 little boys; a must for every Key Stage 1 bookshelf!
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
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Curriculum links (if relevant)
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