Belle and Boo and the very Merry Christmas is out now, published by Orchard.
8.5/10
With many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Showing posts with label Orchard Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orchard Books. Show all posts
Thursday, 5 December 2013
Belle and Boo and the Very Merry Christmas- Mandy Sutcliffe
From the classic illustrations reminiscent of Alison Uttley or Mabel Lucie Atwell, to the innocent tale of Belle and Boo preparing for Christmas, everything about this book screams class. The artwork is enchanting and dreamy, having a timeless quality that will never date. The book itself is a sturdy hardcover, traditionally bound with additional red foil on the cover which is sure to attract little eyes.
A story to remind young and old that the best gift we can give at Christmas is kindness, I can see how to some this book might seem twee and idealistic, but I find it a delight to behold, a book that reminds me of those from my own childhood. The vintage feel of the Belle and Boo books add to the charm of them, and I'm sure many adults will find them as appealing as children.
Belle and Boo and the very Merry Christmas is out now, published by Orchard.
8.5/10
With many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Belle and Boo and the very Merry Christmas is out now, published by Orchard.
8.5/10
With many thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Monday, 26 August 2013
Katie and the Starry Night- James Mayhew
Katie and the Starry Night (subtitled A magical journey through five Van Gogh masterpieces) is one of a series of picturebooks designed to introduce children to art and history. This story appealed to me in particular as I am fascinated by The Starry Night and have been ever since we did a Van Gogh project in my final year at junior school. It took me seventeen years of longing to finally get to the Museum of Modern Art in NYC to see the painting in 'real life', but it was well worth the wait. There is something enchanting and magical about it, almost other-worldly, and Katie and the Starry Night encapsulates this perfectly.
The story begins with Katie and her Grandma visiting an exhibition of Van Gogh's work. Katie is fascinated by The Starry Night, which she describes as being 'like a dream'. Katie climbs into the painting to reach out for the stars and puts one in her pocket. Soon all the stars want to play and follow Katie out of the picture. In Katie's attempt to return the stars before anyone notices that they have disappeared from one of the most recognisable paintings in the world, readers are introduced to some of Van Gogh's other inimitable pieces- Vincent's Chair, Noon, The Olive Grove and Fishing Boats on the Beach.
Beautifully illustrated and with an escapist story, Katie and the Starry Night is a fabulous introduction to the work of one of the world's most popular artists. I loved it, and am sure that children will learn that art can be enjoyed by everyone as a result of this series. I will definitely be seeking out more Katie books to add to my collection and use within my job as a nursery nurse.
Wonderful.
Katie and the Starry Night is out now, published by Orchard Books.
9.5/10
With thanks to Orchard Books for providing me with a review copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Beautifully illustrated and with an escapist story, Katie and the Starry Night is a fabulous introduction to the work of one of the world's most popular artists. I loved it, and am sure that children will learn that art can be enjoyed by everyone as a result of this series. I will definitely be seeking out more Katie books to add to my collection and use within my job as a nursery nurse.
Wonderful.
Katie and the Starry Night is out now, published by Orchard Books.
9.5/10
With thanks to Orchard Books for providing me with a review copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
The Dark-Lemony Snicket
'You might be afraid of the dark, but the dark is not afraid of you. That's why the dark is always close by'...
This glorious hardback children's book made my stomach lurch the first time I saw it. Something about the cover made me want to cry. It depicts a boy (who is revealed in the text as Laszlo) standing nervously at the top of a staircase peering into looming darkness. Something about Jon Klassen's eloquent illustrations reminds me of how it feels to be a child, and how it feels to be afraid. Lemony Snicket, most famous for creating A Series of Unfortunate Events, provides the simple yet captivating story of Laszlo facing his phobia head-on. The remarkable collaboration of text and illustration makes The Dark a stand out children's book, perfect for talking to children about their fears.
I have never read another children's book like it, and as a mother, student of children's literature and nursery nurse I have a wide ranging knowledge of picturebooks. The ultimate simplicity of The Dark and a plot that younger readers can relate to will surely contribute to the long-lasting success that I predict for this book. It has a timeless, ethereal quality and a narrative that will never date-for as long as there are children there shall be children with phobias.
My five-year-old was captivated, and particularly liked the personification of the darkness. Although not a fan of the dark himself, he wasn't scared and especially liked Laszlo, a normal boy just like him. The Dark is already a huge hit in our house!
Jon Klassen's illustrations are beyond exquisite and I cannot see how they could be bettered. They absolutely made the book for me, and The Dark has leapt straight into my list of favourite books. A beautiful book that every home should own.
Published by Orchard, The Dark is out now in hardback.
10/10
With thanks to Orchard for providing me with a review copy of The Dark. You can find out more about Lemony Snicket at www.lemonysnicketlibrary.com and Jon Klassen at www.burstofbeaden.com .
This glorious hardback children's book made my stomach lurch the first time I saw it. Something about the cover made me want to cry. It depicts a boy (who is revealed in the text as Laszlo) standing nervously at the top of a staircase peering into looming darkness. Something about Jon Klassen's eloquent illustrations reminds me of how it feels to be a child, and how it feels to be afraid. Lemony Snicket, most famous for creating A Series of Unfortunate Events, provides the simple yet captivating story of Laszlo facing his phobia head-on. The remarkable collaboration of text and illustration makes The Dark a stand out children's book, perfect for talking to children about their fears.
I have never read another children's book like it, and as a mother, student of children's literature and nursery nurse I have a wide ranging knowledge of picturebooks. The ultimate simplicity of The Dark and a plot that younger readers can relate to will surely contribute to the long-lasting success that I predict for this book. It has a timeless, ethereal quality and a narrative that will never date-for as long as there are children there shall be children with phobias.
My five-year-old was captivated, and particularly liked the personification of the darkness. Although not a fan of the dark himself, he wasn't scared and especially liked Laszlo, a normal boy just like him. The Dark is already a huge hit in our house!
Jon Klassen's illustrations are beyond exquisite and I cannot see how they could be bettered. They absolutely made the book for me, and The Dark has leapt straight into my list of favourite books. A beautiful book that every home should own.
Published by Orchard, The Dark is out now in hardback.
10/10
With thanks to Orchard for providing me with a review copy of The Dark. You can find out more about Lemony Snicket at www.lemonysnicketlibrary.com and Jon Klassen at www.burstofbeaden.com .
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