Fun, facts and feelings
Books have had a good press over the past year or so, with everyone agreeing that books are a Good Thing, for reading is one of the things that has helped us get through these difficult times, says children’s book reviewer CAROLINE FRANKLIN
MANY celebrities have told us about rediscovering the joy of books, but I cannot get over reading about one man, whose name I will not reveal, who had NEVER READ A BOOK – until now. He is 50 years old. What a lot of reading he has to catch up on. Please ensure that everyone in your family loves books and reading them for the fun, excitement and facts they reveal about our world. So, on with this month’s choice.
THE sturdy pages of Jonny Lambert’s Farm will defy all the efforts of eager two-/three-yearolds to damage them. There are big flaps to open as the story follows the farmer and his tractor through the year. Bright simple pictures show the farmer, his dog and his tractor chugging along coping with the work which has to be done with his animals and fields. A simple book which young soon-to-be-readers will enjoy. Published by Dorling Kindersley at £7.99
TWO more picture books for the very young arrived this month.
The first is I’m A Feel-O-Saur by
Lezlie Evans, with illustrations from Kate Chappell. All about feelings, it encourages young readers to realise that there are lots of different feelings which everybody has had, even dinosaurs.
I particularly liked the Grumpy-saurus and the Bored-O-Saurus and the instructions as to what you should do if you’re suffering from either of these – ask for a hug or do a dino-dance. Simple and fun for threeyear-olds.
Published by Upside Down Books at £5.99
(PB)
Pictures of rainbows, with their promise of a better future, are everywhere and there is a big, beautiful one on the cover of The World Made A Rainbow by Michelle Robinson, illustrated by Emily Hamilton. A small girl is fed up with having to stay at home and she misses her friends and her grandma. Her wise mum suggests painting a rainbow and the one she creates encapsulates all the good things which WILL happen again.
Reassuring and a reminder of togetherness in the future, this is a book to encourage young children aged three to five who are feeling lonely. Proceeds from the book go to Save the Children.
Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books at £6.99 (PB)
LADYBIRD Stories for 4 Year Olds is a superb introduction to some of the old fairy tales for young children. As well as the stories, which include Cinderella, Puss in Boots and that one about the three little pigs, there are gorgeous full-page colour illustrations on almost every other page vividly bringing the old favourite stories to life. A beautiful book, well-priced, which would make an excellent gift.
Published by Ladybird Books at £9.99 (HB)
Music and How It Works is a glorious mishmash of everything to do with music, from the humpback whale’s song to the effect that playing Mozart to students before they took a test had on their results. Of course, The Beatles make an appearance, as well as information about all aspects of music from funk and reggae to opera and jazz.
Classical composers, hip hop, reading music and how high the human voice can sing, all are here and so much more, for every page is packed with bits and pieces of musical information. A wonderful book for any child aged nine-plus, full of fascinating facts, photos and illustrations about music from Bach to Bowie. Published by Dorling Kindersley at £12.99 (HB) n LOCKDOWNS make life difficult for everyone these days, but Lesley Parr’s The Valley of Lost Secrets looks back to a time when parents and children had to face being separated. During the Second World War many children were evacuated to live with strangers many miles from their homes.
It is hard to imagine the feelings of parents sending their children off, not knowing when they will meet again.
The story begins with Jimmy and his little brother, Ronnie, arriving in Wales with no idea who will be looking after them.
Ronnie settles down quickly with their new carers, but Jimmy finds things difficult, especially as the local lads are unfriendly. Then he comes across a skull on the mountainside. Who has placed it there?
This mystery combined with the story of how the evacuees cope with the new life, is one of bravery and loyalty. It is Lesley Parr’s first book for readers aged nine or so – look out for more, this is superb storytelling.
Published by Bloomsbury at £6.99 (PB)