2013
Rabbityness by Jo Empson
If you have a young child who is dealing with a loss of any kind Rabbityness is the perfect picture book. It acknowledges loss in a way that a child can understand although it doesn’t specifically explain where the main character, Rabbit, has gone.
Mouseton Abbey – The Missing Diamond by Nick Page & Tim Hutchinson
Mouseton Abbey is the mouse version of Downton Abbey. Roquefort, Earl of Mouseton (Lord Mouseton) leads a cast of cute, knitted mice (all with cheesy names) as they try and locate the missing Great Big Cheesy Diamond in time for the annual Cheesemas banquet.
The Wheels on the Bus
“What were the first books that your daughter enjoyed?” asked a friend of mine last week. Without doubt my daughter loved The Wheels on the Bus and Old Macdonald had a Farm, classic rhymes told in board books with holes. They are sturdy, small enough for little hands and the lovely bright, colourful illustrations provide…
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
We have so many spiders around and so many spiders’ webs to look at that my daughter decided that The Very Busy Spider was a good book to read so she could see how spiders make their webs. I love the simplicity and the repetition in this story and it has stimulated some interesting discussions.
Jolly Snow by Jane Hissey
I love the way that Jane Hissey’s adorable characters try to help Jolly Tall, the giraffe, understand what snow is. Little Bear, Zebra and Rabbit do their best to help their friend with the support of the two more senior members of the playroom, Old Bear and Bramwell.
Happy 1st Birthday Story Snug!
Last autumn I went to my first SCBWI (Society of Childrens’ Book Writers and Illustrators) meeting. I wanted to connect with some other writers, especially picture book authors. At around the same time I watched the film Julie and Julia, both events inspired Story Snug.
Celebrating Usborne Day
October 5th is Usborne Day – a day of activities to celebrate 40 years of Usborne Books. Started by Peter Usborne in 1973, Usborne books (and the little yellow duck) are known and loved worldwide. We’d like to share some of our favourites. My daughter has grown up with the stories about Mrs Boot and…
I am a Bunny – Ole Risom & Richard Scarry
I am a Bunny, a beautifully illustrated board book by Richard Scarry, is lovely to introduce the littlest of people to the concept of the seasons and what can be seen and experienced during each one. It is also great to stimulate discussion with older readers about different features of the seasons and where bunnies…
The Storm Whale by Benji Davies
I loved The Storm Whale from the moment I first read it. It was a picture book that I just had to buy. It’s a heartwarming story about loneliness and friendship and the beautiful beach and seaside illustrations bring back some lovely childhood memories of holidays by the sea.
Following My Paint Brush by Gita Wolf
Following My Paint Brush is a fascinating account of how an Indian artist, Dulari Devi, learnt to paint. Her story is accompanied by her wonderful illustrations and it has given us an insight into life in a different culture.
