10 Things I Can Do to Help My World

Ref: 9731

A bright and lively book highlighting some crucial but simple environmental actions we can take to help improve the world we live in. Oodles of child-appeal! Age 3-6, Paperback 37pp

More Info 10 Things I Can Do to Help My World

10,000 Dresses

by Marcus Ewert
illustrated by Rex Ray

Ref: 12743

Finally a picture books brave enough to explore transgender identities. An enchanting, modern day fairytale about a child who dreams of crystal, rainbow dresses. 'All in all: fantastic' (Notts. LGBT Project, LL reviewer). Age 5-8, Hardback 39pp

15 Things Not to Do With a Baby

by Margaret McAllister
illustrated by Holly Sterling

Ref: 13923

A wonderful list of wonderfully inappropriate responses to a new sibling by an award winning illustrator/author team. Comic, upbeat, offbeat and bursting with child-centred humour. (Mixed race family). Things NOT to do with a baby include pegging them on the washing line, giving them to an octopus, swapping him for the school guinea pig. 'Great illustrations; swapping him for that lovely guinea pig is tempting!!' (Maggie, Former EY Adviser, LL reviewer). 'Funny and engaging do's and don'ts for new sisters and brothers; hints at the frustration older siblings can feel!' (Carey, Childminder, LL reviewer). Age 3-5 Paperback 24pp

More Info 15 Things Not to Do With a Baby

Ada Twist, Scientist

by Andrea Beaty
illustrated by David Roberts

Ref: 14326

"Why does it tick and why does it tock? Why don't we call it a granddaughter's clock?" The day she turns three, Ada begins a lifetime of asking, "WHY?" . For Ada, everything is a potential quiz, riddle and puzzle to be unravelled. Her parents are frazzled. Her teachers are frazzled. But, in the end, everyone recognises that at the core of all this chaos and testing and answering is a budding and brilliant scientist. A book guaranteed to pique children's interest in STEM subjects. Fantastic rhythms and rhymes, scrummy illustrations with fantastic detailing; this is what people mean when they talk about a perfect picture books- a flweless dialogue between text and illustration. From the creators of the much-loved Rosie Revere, Engineer and Iggy Peck, Architect. But, inspired by the stories of Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, this is perhaps our favouritest so far... You can see 2 of our teen reviewers sharing their own views on Ada Twist here. Age 4-7, Hardback 30pp

A is Amazing

edited by Wendy Cooling
illustrated by Piet Grobler

Ref: 12590

A culturally diverse group of poets and an award-winner illustrator create 33 poems exploring every sort of feeling, from Argumentative to Zestful. 'A book to return to and from which many favourites will emerge' (Ed. Liaison Officer, LL reviewer). Age 7-12, Paperback 45pp

The Abominable Snowman

retold by Fran Parnell
illustrated by Sophie Fatus

Ref: 11861

Ramay's mother has had enough of his lazy ways...but a chance meeting with the Shokpa in the mountains of Nepal might be the answer to a day dreamer's future. Wonderful illustrations. Age 6-9, Paperback 48pp

A Farmer's Life + music/animation CD

by Jan Dobbins
illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith, sung by The Flannery Brothers

Ref: 13157

"1, 2, 3, it's a farmer's life for me!" A group of children muck out on a farm collecting eggs, counting lambs, picking cherries and raking hay. "Upbeat, jovial text" (EY Adviser, LL reviewer); "great to see girls and women farming & male farmer baking" (LL staff). Great outdoors rhyming fun, backnotes on working farms and a watch and sing along CD. Age 3-6, Paperback + CD 22pp

More Info A Farmer's Life + music/animation CD

Aesop's Fables

by Beverley Naidoo
illustrated by Piet Grobler

Ref: 11631

An acclaimed S. African author/illustrator team brings an exciting new interpretation to Aesop's classics set in the grasslands of southern Africa. Dazzling. Age 6-10, Hardback 43pp

A Great Big Cuddle

by Michael Rosen
illustrated by Chris Riddell

Ref: 14608

"Nippy-nappy / Nippy-nappy / Nap, nap, nap...Ippy-uppy / Ippy-uppy / Up, up, up". With such a dream team, the current and a former Children's Laureate, this was always going to be a bit of a treasure. A big bold collection of what Rosen and Riddell do best- rhymes which drum, drip and tiptoe; rhythms which lull, bounce and startle; words which rush out to tumble and play; accompanied by illustrations which fill and trip over the pages with their sweeps and strokes. A collection which deserves all those set-to-be-a-classic predictions. We could say lots about its suitability for extending vocabulary, early explorations of rhymes, patterned phrases but, for now, we just want to tell you about the lickingly lovely glorious FUN of it: "Bendy Man, Bendy Man / He's a long leggy man. / Bendy Man, Bendy Man / In a baked-bean can." "I went to Lapland / I saw a reindeer on the loose / I went to Canada / I saw a chocolate mousse." (cue Riddell's standing upright, chocolate-munching, golden, smug moose...). Joint winner (with Crossan's One) of the . Age 3-7, Hardback 73pp

All Sorts to Make a World

by John Agard
illustrated by Michael Broad

Ref: 14200

Shona and her Dad have enjoyed their trip to the Natural History Museum, especially the display of Lucy, a 3.2-million-old skeleton found in Ethiopia. But things go a little awry on the way back home... Stuck a tube in a tunnel, all Shona can do is try to enjoy the company of Tattoo Fellow, Pinstripe Man, Kindle Woman and her Dad's spooky jumbie tales. A funny and super-silly celebration of our diverse capital city and its quirky residents. By an acclaimed poet and playwright (Agard received the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 2012). Age 7-11 Paperback 49pp

Alphabet Fun: Making Letters with Your Body

Ref: 13904

A rich photographic resource which shows children making alphabet shapes with their bodies from A right through to Z, in capitalised and non-capitalised forms. With teachers' notes, suggested activities, a picture body glossary and clear photos of children stretching, curving and working in pairs, this book encourages literacy aerobics! Written by a Reading Recovery tutor. See also Number Fun in the same series. Age 3-5, Paperback 30pp

More Info Alphabet Fun: Making Letters with Your Body

Always and Forever

by Alan Durant
illustrated by Debi Gliori

Ref: 13767

In their hearts and their memories and their laughter. Fox was still there...always and forever. A moving portrayal of bereavement, grief and healing. Age 4-7, Paperback 26pp

Anansi the Banana Thief

told by Anne Adeney
illustrated by Yannick Robert

Ref: 12433

A belly-full of humour and vitality packed into this short narrative featuring that hugely naughty African-Caribbean trickster, Anansi! Age 4-6, Paperback 28pp

An Australian 1,2, 3 of Animals

Ref: 13570

This beautiful and unusual counting resource introduces the animals of Australia with dazzling illustrations by an aboriginal artist. Age 3-6. Australian Import 28pp

More Info An Australian 1,2, 3 of Animals

Anna Hibiscus

by Atinuke
illustrated by Lauren Tobia

Ref: 13785

Anna lives in Africa. Amazing Africa. Beautifully written and charmingly illustrated stories by a Nigerian author about a contemporary, urban, fun-filled little girl. Delightful. Age 7-10, Paperback 103pp

A Rule Is To Break: A Child's Guide To Anarchy

Ref: 13116

Simply celebrating joy, the wonder of discovery, spontaneity, and deep emotions, Wild Child learns about just being herself and how that translates into happiness. Through creative ideas challenging societal expectations in positive terms that are funny and thought-provoking, A Rule Is To Break is for children of all ages. Fantastically colourful and lively illustrations. Age 4-8, Hardback 40pp.

Read about this book in our article in Write4Children Journal (June 2013)

More Info A Rule Is To Break: A Child's Guide To Anarchy

And Tango Makes Three

by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
illustrated by Henry Cole

Ref: 10518

'Tango was the very first penguin in the zoo to have two daddies.' A gentle book which effortlessly normalises a same-sex family unit. 'Our children enjoyed it very much' (Pre-School Supervisor, Letterbox reviewer). Age 3-7, Paperback 31pp Themes: Lesbian and Gay, Families, Fostering and Adoption

The Animal Boogie + Music CD

Ref: 10520

Swing along with the creatures of the Indian jungle as they shake, flap and slither to the sound of the Animal Boogie! An active and musical read, now with a music CD. Age 2-6, 22pp Paperback.

Anna Hibiscus' Song

by Atinuke
illustrated by Lauren Tobia

Ref: 12163

A delightful tale about a child who is absolutely bursting and popping with happiness. 'Very positive portrayal of extended family life (mixed race marriage)' (Children's Services Coordinator, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 32pp

The Ant and the Big Bad Bully Goat

by Andrew Fusek Peters
illustrated by Anna Wadham

Ref: 10521

Badger is happy living in his neat and tidy burrow, until Big Bad Bully Goat decides to move in! A witty Iberian story with a twist. Large format, high quality production and packed with fun. Age 4-7, Paperback 31pp

More Info The Ant and the Big Bad Bully Goat

Art From Her Heart

by Kathy Whitehead
illustrated by Shane W. Evans

Ref: 10585

Stunning slice of Black History. A dazzling portrait of self-taught folk artist, Clementine Hunter, whose paintings went from hanging on her clotheslines to hanging in museums. 'I liked this book because it was very colourful' (Christopher, 10, LL reviewer). Age 6-9, American Import Hardback 30pp

Azzi In Between

Ref: 12631

Winner Little Rebels Award 2013 A smashing, Amnesty-endorsed, story of a family's escape from war and their journey to a strange new country (probably the UK). Realistic and positive. Told in a super child-friendly, comic-style, format. Age 7-11, Paperback 36pp

Azzi In Between

Ref: 14282

Winner Little Rebels Award 2013 A smashing, Amnesty-endorsed, story of a family's escape from war and their journey to a strange new country (probably the UK). Realistic and positive. Told in a super child-friendly, comic-style, format. Age 7-11, Hardback 36pp

Baba's Gift

by Beverly & Maya Naidoo
illustrated by Karin Littlewood

Ref: 14951

Set in South Africa this story evokes the heat, sand and excitement of a trip to the sea. Written by a Carnegie Medal winner and her daughter and brought to life by beautiful illustrations. Not to be missed. Age 5-8, 30pp Paperback

Babies Don't Walk They Ride!

by Kathy Henderson
illustrated by Lauren Tobia

Ref: 13790

A rhyming celebration of toddler transportation! This book opens and ends with the title refrain and follows a visual trajectory from day to night. In between, we see a busy, urban community of adults accompanying their toddlers as they glide, stroll and roll, assisted by a glorious array of toddler transport: buggies, supermarket trolleys, back slings and chariots! The illustrations are bright, contemporary and full of details to point at. Great for introducing some first movement words while also extending some words playfully to relish the sounds "huggled and cuddled and carried along". The illustrations are effortlessly diverse. This is a cohesive multicultural and multifaith neighbourhood. The illustrations also include images of active disabled people and challenges to gender stereotypes. 'Joyous celebration of one day in the lives of a community of families. Superbly positive. This should appear on every bookshelf!' (Kate, Children's Centre Coordinator, LL reviewer). 'Great illustrations showing life's diversity. A big yes' (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer). Age 2-5, Paperback 21pp

Baby Ruby Bawled

by Malaika Rose Stanley
illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max

Ref: 10531

Baby Ruby bawls and bawls. Dad, Mum, Nan, Grandad, Uncle Clyde all pitch in...but only brother Theo has the magic touch! A super-rhythmic, endearing story of mutual support and love within a mixed race family. Age 3-6, Paperback 20pp

Ballet Cat

Ref: 13968

"No alley cat can ever be a ballet cat!" A band of funky, groovy alley cats are untied in their all night, every night, partying until one of them, Arthur, discovers a love for ballet. The other cats are scandalised. But when Arthur slinks off quietly to find his own path, will the other cats' stomping and romping be as much fun? An upbeat and gentle challenge to gender stereotypes. 'I like this books. Themes around friendship and differences- and fun, colourful language' (Carey, Childminder, Letterbox reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 32pp

The Barefoot Book of Children

by Tessa Strickland & Kate DePalma
illustrated by David Dean

Ref: 14628

"Every morning, millions of children open their eyes and start another day" ...And so begins this encyclopaedic, panoramic introduction to children from around the world: their homes, their diverse families (including same-sex parented and foster families), their different languages (including sign language), clothing and costumes, favourite games, special days, different faiths. A UNICEF-endorsed celebration of our global diversity, commonality and interconnectedness, nicely summed up in the text, "Every life is a story. It's easier to understand someone when you know their story." It is impossible here to summarise all the areas of diversity covered, so do please take our word for this being one of the most inclusive books we know! For example, simply the range of disabilities 'casually' shown (eye patches, shortened limbs, children with Down's syndrome) is unusual for picture books. Fantastic back notes extend out from each double page spread with a wealth of factual information. Younger children will be engaged by the simplicity of the core text while older children can think around each topic with the detailed extra notes. 'Barefoot books are always so amazing. Very inclusive, lots to talk about' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Officer, LL reviewer). 'Something of interest for everyone' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 3-8, Hardback 65pp

The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales

retold by Dawn Casey
illustrated by Anne Wilson

Ref: 13058

Stop a moment to wonder about the world around you: the warmth of the sun, the shade of the trees, the echoing cadence of animal calls. What do these mean to you? The seven stories in this collection come from cultures near and far, each one unique in its relationship with the natural world. Includes hands-on activities to inspire you to be a thoughtful caretaker of our planet. Age 7-10, Paperback 95pp

More Info The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales

Because Amelia Smiled

Ref: 12748

One child's infectious smile ignites a global smile which lights up the faces of all kinds of people from across the world. A visual stunner! Age 4-7, Hardback 37pp

A Beginner's Guide to Bearspotting

by Michelle Robinson
illustrated by David Roberts

Ref: 14856

Balaclava. Check. Tin cup., Check. Woollen mitts. Check. Field notebook. Check. And now for your guide...An intrepid bear discoverer is guided through the behaviour and tendencies of the black bear, a.k.a Ursus Americanus, and the brown bear, a.k.a Ursus Horiblis. Includes advice on playing dead. A chatty voiceover with a text which expands and shrinks and skews and bellows with exclamations. Roberts' beautiful, trademark design-led illustrations- big grizzlies are carefully etched out on graph paper and an autumn palette of browns and oranges is suddenly splattered with the fuchsia pink of exploding bubble gum!. 'This book is so so so good. Every aspect has been well thought out. The plot is so developed and funny and simple yet complicated. Love the illustrations' (Sonia, Deputy Primary Head, LL reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 29pp

More Info A Beginner's Guide to Bearspotting

Being Ben

by Jacqueline Roy
illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain

Ref: 12752

A mixed race lead character and a hearing-impaired best friend who laughs in the face of gender stereotypes...and yet there is nothing self-conscious in these delightful mini-stories starring a very sweet and anxious boy anticipating the arrival of his new sibling. Age 7-10, Paperback 89pp

The Big Brother

by Stephanie Dagg
illustrated by Alan Clarke

Ref: 12019

Will Dara know what to do when the new baby comes? If only he could have a doll to practise. An absolutely brilliant challenge to gendered ideas about children's toys. Funny and heart-warming. Age 5-7, Irish Import Paperback 64pp

Big Bob, Little Bob

by James Howe
illustrated by Laura Ellen Anderson

Ref: 14649

Big Bob moves in next door to Little Bob. It could be the start of a bright new friendship....except for their very divergent tastes in play. Big Bob is more of a trucks, fire engines and flying saucers sort of Bob, whilst Little Bob is more of a dolls, unicorns and fancy dresses and hats sort of Bob. Still, they learn to rub along, playing together but differently. That is, until new girl, Blossom, moves into their neighbourhood and points out that Little Bob's play is not at all boy-appropriate. Will they learn to get along as a three? A heads-on and yet curiously gentle and warm challenge to those restrictive notions of gendered play and gendered toys. We loved the opening dedication from the author too: "To my parents, who got who I was, and got me the dolls I asked for." 'Interesting little story. Challenging gender stereotypes in a gentle way' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher, LL reviewer). 'I like the story and challenging gender stereotypes of play' (Hannah, Social Worker, LL reviewer). Age 3-6, Hardback 29pp

Little People, Big Dreams: Maya Angelou

by Lisbeth Kaiser
illustrated by Leire Salaberria

Ref: 14907

A highly illustrated biography of one of our greatest writers. From a cruel childhood of displacement, family violence and wider societal racism, we witness Maya Angelou's recovery- literally finding her voice again through reading the works of literary giants- and then her incredible triumph as an award-winning giant of literature herself. A gorgeous biography which felt very satisfying even to this adult reader. Would work for a wide age range; the concepts and ideas are 'mature' and sophisticated enough for ages 7/8+ while the content is made perfectly accessible through spare, yet wonderfully descriptive, text. 'I really enjoyed reading this book about a lady who believed she could do whatever she wanted. I loved reading this and would read it again' (Nicole, aged 11, LL reviewer). 'A great story about an amazing woman. We enjoyed reading this and it brought up lots of discussions about segregation and women's rights' (Polly and her son, aged 6, LL reviewers). Age 5-8, Hardback 26pp

More Info Little People, Big Dreams: Maya Angelou

Black Dog

Ref: 12246

Shortlist Kate Greenaway Medal 2013 A gorgeously illustrated and original read-aloud about a family called Hope and a Black Dog who is fearfully scary or insignificantly puppy-like depending on how you look at the world...Age 6-9, Paperback 25pp

The Boy Who Lost His Bumble

Ref: 13821

A nature-loving child with a special passion for bees, logs and records each and every buzzzz. And then, suddenly one day, with the arrival of rain and frost, all of the bees disappear. Bereft and depsariing he tries all manner of things to encourage them back from dressing up in a bee suit to creaying a specila beehive hotel with free wi-fi. To no avail. And then, just as suddenly, with the coming of Spring, the bees fly back! A n endearing story about losing your bumble and gettint it back! Follows the passing seasons, weather patterns and some excellent bumble bee back notes provide a wider context on the value of bees to our fragile eco system. Age 4-7 Paperback 28pp

Brodie

by Joy Cowley
illustrated by Chris Mousdale

Ref: 14276

"We all knew that Brodie was sick, but we thought he'd get better". So begins this story about the loss of a classmate. Brodie was an expert ear wiggler; he knew how to make fantastic farty noises; he had dreams of being a pilot; he liked to say "awesome stupendous". He often had stays in hospital and at these times his classmates would send him cards. But one day, the children are told that Brodie has died- and this time, they're invited to make cards for his parents. An award-winning book made at the request of teachers seeking bereavement books for younger children who have lost a classmate. Expertly done. 'Really lovely book. Sensitively done and not at all preachy. Most importantly it allows for a range of feelings; all valid' (Deborah, EY Education Lecturer, Letterbox Library reviewer). 'A wonderful book' (Jayne, Primary Inclusion Manager, LL reviewer). Age 5-9, Paperback 33pp

The Butterfly

by Roger Vaughan Carr
illustrated by Ann James

Ref: 13139

A new edition of an award-winning picture book. The butterfly effect is turned into a dazzling journey of elements and weather as the beat of a butterfly wing becomes a breeze in Russia, billows across Mongolia and so on and so on until it finally returns as a tornado. Chaos theory and the interconnectedness of things are turned into concepts children can grasp- and be amazed by. "Rather special" (Inclusion Manager & Primary Teacher, LL reviewer); "Beautiful. What's not to like?" (Parent, LL reviewer). Age 5-8, Paperback 30pp

Celebrate Diwali

Ref: 10586

A global photographic feast from National Geographic with a celebratory text and detailed back notes. 'Sumptuous photographs- they just glow and hum off the page!' (Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 7-10, American Import Paperbacks 30pp

Celebration Food

Ref: 11866

Special foods for special multi-faith celebrations. Tasty photos, activities for every festival- and a charoset recipe! 'Bright pictures with lots going on to start conversations about different festivals' (Nursery Worker, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 20pp

Celebrate Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr

Ref: 10588

Global photographic feasts from National Geographic with a celebratory text and detailed back notes. 'Sumptuous photographs- they just glow and hum off the page!' (Former Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 7-10, American Import Paperback 31pp

More Info Celebrate Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr

Celebrations and Special Days

Ref: 14758

An original, photographic, around-the-world book of religious festivals and special days which includes the familiar -Chinese New Year, Holi, Eid-ul-Fitr- alongside some more unusual celebrations: the Shetland Islands' Up Helly Aa (a Viking festival), the Mongolian sports festival of Naadam, the Fulani cattle herders' river crossing in Mali (a UN-recognised world cultural heritage event recognised by the UN). Comes with a helpful glossary and a world map showing the location of each photograph. 'very informative resource for children. Lovely photographs' (Nike, Social Worker, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 23pp

Chicken Clicking

by Jeanne Willis
illustrated by Tony Ross

Ref: 14702

A brilliant, much needed, early years book on internet safety, recently selected by a nursery group we work with for Child Safety Week. This picture book starts out happily enough with a chirpy little chick who stumbles on the farmer's computer. It then sounds a note of caution as chick starts to enjoy a little online shopping. Finally, loud alarm bells ring as chick posts a picture of herself online and arranges to meet a stranger offline- at which point the text ends. Willis has a real knack for exploring tough and challenging subjects with a completely appropriate lightness of touch and a directness which makes her work perfectly suited for an adult/child discussion. 'I liked this. There is wonderful humour in the rhyming text. A good starting point for opening this subject up at school' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 23pp

Chicken in the Kitchen

by Nnedi Okorafor
illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini

Ref: 13927

An adventure story set around the New Yam Festival which introduces West African masquerade culture, a wise Wood Wit, an enormous chicken and...the language of Chickenese! Fantastic to see urban Nigeria evoked as modern and vibrant. 'Amazing illustrations. It's educated me about wood wit and new yam' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher, Letterbox reviewer) 'Children will love this- a giant chicken...embodied in wonderful illustrations' (Eileen, Former Primary Teacher, Letterbox reviewer). See the publisher's website for free educational resources associated with this text: www.lantanapublishing.com (nb: author born in the US to Nigerian parents). Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

Choices, Choices...

by Dawne Allette
illustrated by Paul Cemmick

Ref: 10553

"Full of affirmation and aspiration, this book gently encourages children to have dreams and to aim as high as their dreams will float them! Crucially, gender is no barrier. Dexter is equally thrilled by all the choices on offer in his head -food critic, astronomer, marine biologist, clothes designer. Bold, cartoon illustrations, snappy text and a great sense of play and fun really lift these books out of the usual 'occupations' books for children." "The message that 'I can be anything' in these books is great whether the child is male, female or 'likes pink'! All children will enjoy the humour and excitement that unfolds in these pages and open young children's minds to the view that gender is no barrier to any profession." (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer ) Age 6-8, Paperback 27pp

Holidays & Festivals: Christmas

Ref: 11871

Simple repetitive text, mini picture glossary and lively photos make this perfect for the very young. Age 4-6, Paperback 20pp

More Info Holidays & Festivals: Christmas

Christophe's Story

by Nicki Cornwell
illustrated by Karin Littlewood

Ref: 11844

Christophe, a Rwandan refugee, has a heartbreaking story to share. Britain means a new language, a new home and new classmates- not all of them welcoming. But Christophe is determined to be heard…...Age 7-11, Paperback 68pp

The Cloud

Ref: 10555

Art Class is no fun for one quiet child, sat on her own, with a fuzzy black cloud hovering over her...but a patient and fun-filled little girl resolves to find a way through the fog...Multicultural, casual images of disability, a winning text and exceptionally imaginative illustrations. Age 4-8, Paperback 27pp

The Colour of Home

by Mary Hoffman
illustrated by Karin Littlewood

Ref: 10556

Britain seems rainy and colourless to Hassan, but after painting the bright colours of his refugee family's flight from sunny, war-torn Somalia he begins to see colours in his new home. Sensitively and beautifully illustrated. Age 6-9, 15pp Paperback

The Colour Thief

by Andrew Fusek Peters & Polly Peters
illustrated by Karin Littlewood

Ref: 14157

One of Letterbox Library's favourite illustrators joins forces with the very popular Peters team. "My Dad's life was full of colour. ..But one day, Dad was full up with sadness, all the way to the top. He said his sky had turned grey." A child's perspective of their parent's depression as it threatens to take over. This excellent description of mental health problems also brilliantly captures a child's anxiety, loneliness and their overwhelming guilt when faced with a parent in pain. Enhanced by evocative language ("Months were stretchy like chewing gum...") and Karin's wonderfully expressive illustrations, this is a hugely empathetic and sensitive treatment of an adult's struggle with and recovery from a period of depression- with a concerned child looking on. 'Very sensitively handled- some great figurative language' (Jayne, Primary Inclusion Manager, Letterbox Library reviewer). 'Much needed. Positive/reassuring resolution. Great illustrations.' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Commissioning Officer, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 6-9, Paperback 24pp Themes: Mental Health, Families

The Copper Tree

by Hilary Robinson
illustrated by Mandy Stanley

Ref: 14823

When Mr Banks tells the children that Miss Evans is unwell, they all get together to make her a giant Get Well card. She, in turn, manages to attend their school play, even though she is quite weak, turning up in a wheelchair and with her head covered by a sparkly scarf (suggesting chemotherapy). When Mr Banks finally tells the class that Miss Evans has died, we see the children encouraged to explore their deferent feelings and to share their very best memories of Miss Evans- ultimately immortalised in a home made copper tree, installed by the caretaker in the entrance hall, with leaves for memories made by the children. A difficult subject treated with a great lightness of touch. Both the illustrations and text are full of warmth, comfort and even, a gentle humour. 'This book made me cry and chuckle. Moving and caring. Opens the door to questions and discussion in a sensitive and thoughtful way' (Rosalind, Workforce Dev. Officer, LL reviewer). 'What a wonderfully sensitive book. It was also so practical and contained a wonderful idea which could be copied. It feels warm and safe' (Elaine, Foster Care Associates Liaison Officer, LL reviewer). 'A very powerful and moving book which shows the value and importance of good teachers in children's lives. Very gentle and inspiring' (Cariad, Theatre Lecturer, LL reviewer) (n.b.: one of the children, Barnie, wears a hearing aid). Age 4-7, Paperback 26pp