PICTURE BOOKS
LITTLE ECHO
By Al Rodin, Puffin, £12.99 The beautifully illustrated and endearing story of a shy Echo who lives in a cave, only speaking to echo the words of others. When a boy called Max arrives, hunting for treasure, Echo must find her own voice if she’s to make a friend.
THE CAT AND THE RAT AND THE HAT
By Em Lynas and Matt Hunt, Nosy Crow, £11.99 With boldly eye-catching illustrations, this tale of a cat, rat and bat fighting over a hat and a cravat is a delightfully silly story and fun to read aloud.
IF I HAD AN OCTOPUS
By Gabby Dawnay and Alex Barrow, Thames & Hudson, £10.99 Have you ever thought about what the best aquatic pet would be? It’s an octopus, of course! This crazy idea is brought to life as a little girl imagines its tentacles helping with everything from counting to painting – and cuddles. Brightly illustrated rhyming fun.
MOONCAT AND ME
By Lydia Corry, Two Hoots, £12.99 Pearl is moving house and starting a new school so she’s relieved when Mooncat appears at her window, takes her exploring, and shows her the world isn’t so scary.
NO! SAID RABBIT
By Marjoke Henrichs, Scallywag Press, £12.99 Rabbit says no to everything from food to a bath. Guaranteed to raise a smile, especially if you read aloud saying your child’s name instead of ‘Rabbit’.
THE PERFECT FIT
By Naomi and James Jones, OUP, £6.99 Though Triangle loves playing with circles and squares, she longs to find someone who looks like her. Eventually she learns the key to happiness lies in celebrating difference.