August 2015 Book Haul vlog!

I love watching book vlogs, especially book hauls.  I'm nosey when it comes to people's shelves and incoming books and I know other readers are too.

That's why I've decided to do a monthly haul vlog showing exactly which bookish delights have made their way into my hands!

This is my first book vlog, so please be gentle with me...

Watch my August 2015 Book Haul vlog here!

The Dinosaur that Pooped the Past- Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter

Oh. My. Word.  There is a new Pooping Dinosaur book out!  Let's just say there has been a bit of excitement about this one in our house (and not just from my son-we both squealed in equal measure when it landed on the doormat).  I love McFly and have long been aware of the warped sense of humour the band have, but my son Zachary knows Tom and Dougie only as authors-he didn't believe me when I went to watch McBusted and said Tom and Dougie were in the band!

The Dinosaur that Pooped a Planet and The Dinosaur that Pooped Christmas are firm favourites here, so this latest instalment had a lot to live up to.  It's another brilliant read- children will love it and adults will be grossed out by it.  But when you've finished you'll have a smile on your face, whatever your age.

Here's my review (in funky Pooping Dino style rhyme)...

It's Danny's Gran's birthday, her party's today
But Danny and Dinosaur just want to play.
She's filled up the table with food that is green,
Probably the most green food you've ever seen.
Sweeties and biscuits and cakes it is not
But with one giant gulp Dinosaur eats the lot.

They head to the garden to play on the swing,
When suddenly something strange starts happening.
They're swinging and looping and going real fast
Then SNAP!- with a bump they're both in the past.

But Danny and Dino spy cracks in the dirt.
OH HELP, A VOLCANO IS GOING TO SPURT!
The lava is dangerous, the lava is hot,
This volcano could wipe out the past, the whole lot!
But Dinosaur knows just what he can do
He can save the whole lot with a rip-roaring poo.

It's pretty disgusting, but you want specifics?
He's pooping Egyptians who love hieroglyphics!
He poops baby dinosaurs, cute as can be,
He even poops Roman and Trojans, you'll see!
He's pooping out artefacts, ancient and rare,
This dinosaur poop's going everywhere!

Of course, in the end they are all safe and sound
They're back in the future, with feet on the ground.
With Dinosaur's help they escaped the great quake
and are back to eat Gran's birthday broccoli cake.

This book is disgusting (it's all about poo),
But I must admit it is hilarious too.
The pictures are awesome, eye-catching and bold,
And the story in rhyme? It is comedy gold.

My six year old's view when I asked him to rate?
'The Dinosaur That Pooped the Past is just GREAT'.

With thanks to Random House Children's Books for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The Dinosaur That Pooped the Past is out now.

The Nativity- The Story of Baby Jesus- May Eliot illustrated by Richard Johnson

The Nativity- The Story of Baby Jesus is a perfect introduction to the Christmas story for the very young.  It contains all the facts and isn't too simplistic yet the sentences are short and accessible, offering the opportunity for questions and discussion throughout. 

The illustrations are mesmerising, particularly one beautiful image of Mary, Joseph and Jesus.  The artwork wouldn't be out of place on a Christmas card, stunning and appropriate.

The Nativity-The Story of Baby Jesus is out now.

9/10

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Dear Snowman- Katherine White and Alison Edgson

The Blurb

 

Little Rabbit and Snowman are the very best of friends. But when winter fades, Snowman is nowhere to be found. Wherever can he be? Soon a postcard arrives for Little Rabbit. It's from Snowman - and he's travelling the world! This brilliant book about an adventurous snowman has a gorgeous shiny cover and comes with six postcards and masses of stickers, so little readers can send messages to their family and friends just like Snowman. Children will love the excitement of reading Snowman's postcards and letters and finding out where in the world he has been. This lovely book would make a fantastic Christmas present but is sure to be enjoyed throughout the year.

 

The Review

I really enjoyed this picturebook.  The tale is original and comforting, and the postcards from Snowman are such a sweet idea!  The story itself is fun and charming, a reassuring book perfect for pre-schoolers. It taps into the excitement that children have about receiving post of their own and is a wintery book that could also be enjoyed throughout the year.

 

The bold illustrations will capture children's imagination and the additional postcards and stickers are a bonus feature which may add appeal for reluctant readers.  I fell in love with the snowman-he is so cute!

 

This would definitely make a great gift as Dear Snowman is a high quality book.  It is a sturdy hardback designed to be enjoyed again and again.

 

Dear Snowman is out now.

 

9/10

 

I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

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When It Snows- Richard Collingridge

 

The Blurb

When everything grinds to a halt because of the snow, one small boy and his teddy bear refuse to allow the weather to spoil their fun. They embark on an amazing journey in which they ride a polar bear and meet huge snowmen, an ice queen, fairies, elves, a giant reindeer and Father Christmas.

And at the very end of the story, in a wonderfully cosy and festive fireside scene, there's a clever twist - he has simply become immersed in the magical scenes of his favourite book.

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The Review

If you are looking for a perfect wintery read to enjoy with a child, then When It Snows could be the answer to your prayers.  It is a captivating book, with illustrations that will whisk both young and old away.  The simple, short sentences allow the beautiful artwork to do the talking.  Unsurprisingly this book was shortlisted for the V and A illustration award 2013- the illustrations really are mesmerising.

 

My son (age 5) really enjoyed this book and loved the adventures, although was disappointed by the revelation at the end.  I must admit that I can understand why- although reassuring and cosy to adult eyes, the final scene is perhaps not as gripping as children expect.  However, this gentle story would work well at bedtime and the detailed illustrations offer many opportunities for discussion.

 

Out now in paperback with brighter, clearer artwork, this enchanting book would be a great addition to pre-schoolers/infants bookshelves.

 

8/10

 

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy in return for my honest opinion.

 

See the trailer here -prepare for the magic!

The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit- Emma Thompson

 

Written by actress Emma Thompson and illustrated by Eleanor Taylor, The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit is a sympathetic addition to any Beatrix Potter fans collection.

Available in a glorious hardback with sparkling snowflakes on the cover, it is visually attractive and the story doesn't disappoint either.  Peter and Benjamin are determined to help William the turkey avoid the fate of their father and devise a plan to foil their old enemy Mr McGregor...

I loved the illustrations - inspired by Potter's style without being a direct copy.  Overall this is a quality children's book, a rich tale with glorious artwork.  A delight!

The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit is out now.

8.5/10

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Kipper's Christmas Eve-Mick Inkpen

Mick Inkpen has created one of the best-loved characters in picture books- Kipper.  Always popular, Inkpen's colourful, bold pictures are great for sharing either 1-1 or in a group, and the stories are touching and humorous. 

Kipper's Christmas Eve is no exception.  Both children and adults are charmed by the simplicity of the Kipper books, and in this tale he is preparing for Christmas Day.  The young audience will be able to appreciate the festive routines of collecting a tree, opening presents and novelty fashion.  The large illustrations enhance the tale and are full of life and energy.

The only negative is that it is quite a long story for the target age range, and I have found that some children aren't able to concentrate long enough to enjoy the whole book.  However, Kipper and his friends are a staple of any children's library.

Kipper's Christmas Eve is out now, published by Hodder.

8/10

With thanks to Hodder for providing me with this book in return for an honest review.

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.

The Very Snowy Christmas- Diana Hendry and Jane Chapman

Blurb

It's the night before Christmas and Big Mouse and Little Mouse are putting up decorations. Little Mouse scampers out to search for holly but finds big white flakes falling from the sky. As Little Mouse's world is covered in snow he discovers strange things all around him.

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Review
The Very Snowy Christmas is a delightful picturebook.  Visually, it is highly attractive and the illustrations of Little Mouse experiencing snow for the first time are wonderful.  The illustrations leap off the page and are definitely the highlight of the book. The story itself is gentle, although not much really happens.  However, this is a lovely book to wind down with and would make a perfect bedtime story for young children on a winter night.

The Very Snowy Christmas is now available as a boardbook with a padded, glittery cover.  This added hardiness will allow toddlers to enjoy this festive treat of a book again and again.

The Very Snowy Christmas is out now.

7/10

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review.

Penelope's Toothache- Ariele Nolla

 

Penelope's Toothache is a cautionary tale warning what can happen to your teeth if you eat too much sugar.  Especially suitable for children age 4-7, the book offers an introduction to dental hygiene and the importance of looking after your teeth.

The only negative for me is how a visit to the dentist is portrayed as being a bit scary (although there is a section at the back telling children that dental practice no longer requires so many huge needles and urges them to go for regular check ups). 

Penelope's Toothache might well be a useful educational tool for supporting PSE and PD aspects of the curriculum in the foundation stage and KS1 or for parents to look at with their children to encourage good brushing and flossing.

Penelope's Toothache is out now in ebook format.

7/10

With thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

You're A Rude Pig, Bertie!- Claudia Boldt

Blurb

Bertie is the most vain, rude and outspoken pig you'll ever meet. He can't help offending his friends and pretty soon he doesn't have any left. But a beautiful bunny and a disastrous party all lead Bertie to a startling realization, and a change of heart.

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Review
We have all come across someone who is obnoxious and rude, full of their own self importance.  Bertie the Pig is a prime example-his lack of manners and respect mean he is friendless and alone.  Meeting Ruby the Rabbit influences him- he wants to be her friend yet why would she want to be friends with a rude pig? 

You're A Rude Pig, Bertie! is a lesson in social skills, complimented by amusing illustrations.  The artwork is a contrast of line drawings and bright blocks of colour.

A moral story which would be great to use with an infant class to teach them the importance of their actions and words.

You're A Rude Pig, Bertie! is out now, published by Jonathan Cape.

6.5/10

With thanks to Jasmine at Random House for providing me with a review copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

When the Rains Come- Tom Pow and Malika Favre

Blurb
When The Rains Come tells the story of three children who must be looked after by their grandmother, while embedding within that real life story, a folk tale from Malawi. The folk tale was told to Tom Pow as he was being driven to one of the villages where the MUMs charity (Malawi Underprivileged Mothers) is involved. Everyone involved in the book determined that, while showing the work of MUMs, When The Rains Come would also be full of joy – dancing, love, stories, colour, laughter – for that too is Malawi. This is a lively story for children that highlights some of the challenges facing Malawi and how they are being met, simultaneously drawing on the folk tales of the country. It will be a response from the writer and illustrator to the situation in Malawi with the aim of raising money for MUMs’ work and raising awareness among children and adults everywhere.

Review
When The Rains Come is a great children's book for answering questions relating to cultural and racial difference.  There is a story within a story, which adds to the interest and offers something different to many other children's books on the market.  The story is not the most fast-paced, but does offer the contrasts between the joys and challenges of life for the characters.

The artwork by Malika Favre is sublime and the real strength of the book; beautifully stylised and with a real African flavour.  Children will find it attractive to look at.

The map of Africa at the end is a lovely feature, showing Malawi in relation to the rest of the continent and adding a sense of place. 

That it supports Malawi's Underprivileged Mothers is an added bonus.

When the Rains Come is out now, published by Polygon.

6.5/10

Picnic-John Burningham

Picnic is a typical John Burningham picturebook.  Like Burningham's bestselling The Shopping Basket and Mr Gumpy's Outing, Picnic has a simple text.  And of course there are the illustrations.  Inimitable and immediately recognisable, Burningham's drawings are famous within genre (Raymond Briggs says they are 'completely original' works).  I must admit I'm not a huge fan of John Burningham's style, although children seem to be drawn to his books and they are always hugely popular at the nursery where I work.

The tale of 'boy' and 'girl' setting off on (surprise surprise) a picnic, the story tells of their encounters with animals that have a tendency to lose things.  The reader is then asked to spot the lost item in the picture.  However, this isn't a Where's Wally? type of book.  As Picnic is aimed at pre-schoolers, the lost items are easy to find, and I would say the book is more an introduction to basic vocabulary than a test of children's observational skills.

Picnic is a lovely book to read with young children at the end of the day. As the characters go to bed at the end of the story it is ideal for bedtime, and is a calm and pleasant read. 

Most suitable for children aged 1-4.

Picnic is out now, published by Jonathan Cape, and imprint of Random House Children's Publishers.

8/10

With thanks to the fabulous Jasmine for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Billy the Goat's Big Breakfast-Jez Alborough

If you read any picturebooks, it is likely you will be familiar with the work of Jez Alborough.  His successful Duck in the Truck series along with the Eddy and the Bear series are revered within the genre, and the bestselling Bobo books are delightfully simple with enchanting illustrations. Hug is one of my favourite children's books and I have so many happy memories of snuggling up with my son reading it at bedtime.  Even now he refers to it as 'the sad Bobo book' because I always get tears in my eyes when reading it because the illustrations are just exquisite. 

Billy the Goat's Big Breakfast is the sequel to Nat the Cat's Sunny Smile and has the same characters sharing adventures.  Greedy Billy can't wait for his breakfast at Nat the Cat's house.  He is ravenous!  But wait he must as it isn't yet ready.  However, he sneaks a bite of the bread dough and soon his tummy is swollen.  What will Nat the Cat say?

Written in a charming rhyme, children will love this book.  It is has large, bold illustrations which make it perfect for sharing 1-1 or as part of a class/group.  The tale promotes friendship and understanding and has a moral message alongside Alborough's trademark humour.  It also has the additional feature of a song for children to join in with-the music and lyrics are in the book and can be downloaded from the author's website.

My judgment?  Another cracker from Jez.

Billy the Goat's Big Breakfast is out now, published by Doubleday.

8.5/10

With thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Song for Papa Crow-Marit Menzin

Song for Papa Crow is a simplistic picturebook celebrating difference. Papa Crow loves the 'caw' that Little Crow makes. It means he always knows where his precious baby is. However, Little Crow is in awe of the other birds who make more exotic sounds.

With artwork that explores pattern and texture, Song For Papa Crow is, in the main, eye-catching and visually appealing. Younger readers will find the bright colours used stimulating.

At the end of the book there is a factsheet telling readers more about the different birds mentioned in the book, adding an educational element as well as the moral message of accepting what makes you unique that the story drives home.

Song For Papa Crow is out now, published by Schiffer Publishing

7.5/10
With thanks to Schiffer Publishing for providing me with a review copy in return for an honest review.

Change the World Before Bedtime- Mark Kimball Moulton, Josh Chalmers and Karen Good

Change the World Before Bedtime is a book for pre-schoolers and infants.  Through a simple, rhyming text and fun, cartoon-like images, readers will learn about the importance of recycling, a balanced diet, caring for those less fortunate than themselves, loving animals and the value of encouraging words.  A book with a strong moral message, Change the World Before Bedtime is educational and thought provoking and offers the opportunity for children to realise that small actions can make a big difference.

 

Children will enjoy the accessible and amusing illustrations which help bring the rhyming text to life, and the use of speech bubbles within the  artwork allows for a gentle introduction to these literary concepts.  A book that will be popular with teachers and childminders, Change the World Before Bedtime is a positive, uplifting read that I found enjoyable and appropriate for the target age-range.  As an American title, the only downside for me was the American spelling within the book (eg. 'color' instead of the English 'colour'), which would discourage me from using it with children that are learning to read.  I would, however, happily use this as a talking point for PSED lessons with nursery age children and an introduction to personal responsibilities for self, others and the world.

 

9/10

 

Many thanks to Schiffer Publishing provided me with a copy of Change the World Before Bedtime in return for an honest review.