It should come as no huge surprise that I adore books about books. I’m a little bit obsessed with them… the ones that do it right. I don’t like to be bonked over the head with the message about how AMAZING books are, but I do like a bit of nod, wink and giggle about the amazing surprises that can be lurking inside. So without further ado, here are five of my favourites…
Finding Serendipity is a fantastic adventure novel brimming with imagination, a love of books, a respect for words and a big dash of magic. Tuesday McGillycuddy’s (how great is that name?!) mum is the author of a beloved children’s series. She is busy working ALL hours to complete the latest in the series when she suddenly disappears… into her own book! Tuesday must get herself into the world too, and rescue her mum, leading to a story full of pirates and adventures, sailing ships and oodles of magic. I loved it, it really made me wonder what type of book I’d love to find myself in the middle of!
Nick Bland is a bit of a genius when it comes to creating funny picture books, and this one is no exception. His protagonist, Nicholas Ickle (another great character name, don’t you think?), wants to tell his own story… but then has to contend with a variety of rude interruptions every single time! Elephants, monsters, pirate, queens…I adore the chaotic nature of it and Nicholas’s increasing frustrations!
There’s nothing quite like snuggling up with a delicious new book… but you’ve got to be sitting comfortably, right? This book takes a funny look at just that dilemma… finding a reading spot that’s simply perfect.
Libraries, Dads, books and a huge love of reading and stories. There was no doubt in mind my that this one was going to land proudly on this list. A gorgeous book and a lovely celebration, with a bonus rhyming story in the middle. Perfect!
In a reversal of the typical order, the wonderful story of The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore began life as a film, graced our iPad screens as an inspiring Book App, and then the book form emerged. Morris Lessmore is a character who “loved words”. However, when his orderly life is “scattered” by a terrible storm he finds himself wandering aimlessly. A lady “being pulled along by a festive squadron of flying books” marks the beginning of the magic of books being poured into this story. She sends Morris her favourite book, which in turn leads him to a magnificent old building filled with books yearning for attention… and so Morris’s journey and love of books begins. I adore how the books are treated as having true personalities, just like the books in Mabel’s bedroom! Does anyone else consider this when they are organising their shelves – that there are certain books that shouldn’t be shelved together? Urm, just me then?!?!
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)
Any other comments
Any other comments