Deep in the forest lives a little black panther. Surrounded by wonder, his life should be idyllic … except that he’s different from the other cats. They all seem so confident: Tiger has bold, fearless stripes, Lion’s mane shines like the sun and Leopard’s spots are dazzling. When their taunts overwhelm him, Panther sets off on a quest to improve himself. At first, he is intent on imitation, until, at last, the moon helps him to discover his own special beauty.
The reader has been able to see this beauty all along, through the intricately detailed illustrations which are influenced by traditional Indian art and textiles. There’s no need for lengthy descriptions because these fascinating pictures illuminate the scene but the vivid word choices sparkle nevertheless. This would make a great read-aloud book. The ending, with its message of courage and self-acceptance, is uplifting and reassuring.
While the rhythm of the fable may be familiar from folklore, the manner of the telling is original and richly pleasurable. I can see the book inspiring some wonderful art projects exploring lines, patterns and colour (each spread uses a particular palette), either using different methods of printing or computer programmes. In maths, there would be possibilities for investigating symmetry and reflection.
With lyrically expressive language, gorgeous illustrations and a simple but empowering message, this is a magical book.
A thoroughly enjoyable football-themed read set in 19th-century Sheffield. This book tells the story of Lijah – a Romani boy living in a Traveller camp. Lijah enjoys collecting scrap with his dad and brother, travelling on the cart and listening to his dad’s stories by the fire.
Lijah reluctantly starts school and at first, he struggles with reading and faces prejudice when some of the other children call him ‘gypsy’ or ‘tramp’. However, he soon discovers a fascination for a new game called football and finds a way to join in with the other boys.
Back home, Lijah meets a local businessman called Jack Davis. Over time, Jack bonds with Lijah over his passion for football and tells him about a famous Romani player called Rab Howell. Can Lijah follow in his new hero’s footsteps while still staying true to his roots and keeping peace with his dad?
This quick and compelling read deals with big themes of heritage, family, changing times and prejudice in sport. The story provides an original new angle into the stream of football storybooks available, and it was interesting to consider the time when professional football was first becoming popular and the legacy of Sheffield in football history, as well as to learn about Rab Howell. Many young readers will relate to the difficulty Lijah encounters balancing cultural traditions with modern life, as well as the tensions between family expectations and following one’s passions.
This picture book provides a beautifully illustrated introduction to Chinese New Year.
The night before the celebrations, Mai-Anne explains that the Lunar New Year is about to arrive and that her family enjoys a special set of traditions. Mai-Anne helps to clean and decorate the house and is excited when her grandmother (Nai Nai) arrives in time for the most important dinner of the year – fish for good luck, noodles for a long life, dumplings for blessings and nian gao for success. After dinner, Mai-Anne and Nai Nai settle down together and Nai Nai recounts the important story of the Great Race. Along with Mai-Anne, the reader learns about the story of the twelve animals who race to cross the river. Then Mai-Anne enjoys a special family Dragon Dance, eats sweet tangerines and wears a special red outfit for luck.
This is a lovely picture book to read at Chinese New Year but also all year round too as a book that celebrates family moments, bonds with grandparents and the joy of special traditions. The illustrations and text are both warm and celebratory in tone. It also features a non-fiction section on the final pages with more information about Chinese New Year and the dragon dance.
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