by Sumana Seeboruth
illustrated by Ella Hobbis
 
Any book opening with a Full English gets our attention! A lovely boardbook in Barefoot Books’ Our World series which portrays a recognisably diverse and contemporary England through the eyes of a mixed race child, their Nana (who is brown and wears a hearing aid) and Grandad (white). After breakfast, the family go out in to the garden which is busy with robins and sparrows (plus, there’s a little 1 to 3 countdown), then hop on to a double decker, take a quick stop at the corner shop for a pick-and-mix selection, then on to a “clackety-clack” train to spend the day in the countryside- where, of course, they have a game of cricket. Nana proves quite a dab hand with the cricket bat! Ends with a universal bathtime and bedtime. 
 
Great fun to see some very English tropes, from slices of toast to strawberries, served up in landscapes populated by a mix of people across ethnicities and faiths. Back notes pick up on and expand the traditionally ‘English’ encounters (even explaining the 'Howzat!' callout!) 
 
[Portrayal of an] inclusive and diverse England is welcomed at this time due to the ‘flags’ and racial tension. I say, YES please!’ (Ann Marie, EY Safeguarding Consultant, Letterbox Library reviewer) ‘It’s a challenge to what is 'English?’- it’s very diverse and the images are fun!’ (Kerry, Letterbox Library staff). Age 1-3, Boardbook20pp
 
Themes: Diverse Families  Themes: Disabilties