Here is my second instalment of picture books this May that I really enjoyed reading and sharing. I always feel so overwhelmingly delighted when I gather them all together for a Peeking at Picture Books post. So without further ado…
A Book About Whales
A fascinating book that teaches you everything you need to know about Whales. From knowing which Whale it is from the water they spray out of the ocean to how big a baby is when it is born and so much more, this book really covers it all in a interesting and engaging way. Focusing on each Whale individually and also how to catergorise them into groups, the book is true to its name and has it all and uses a fun, childrens level narrative too. The black and white illustrations really bring the Whales to life off the page, adding depth and texture too. The ideal book for young readers looking for more information on Whales or fans of animals.
Published by – Abrams and Chronicle Publication date – 14.05.19 RRP – £11.99 (HB)
A hugely relevant topic is covered within this picture book. Telling the story of a strange animal that arrives one day making the other animals curious as to where the animal has come from and what their intentions are. The animals do not believe the strange animal so when they get the chance they look through his possessions. That is when they realise that the strange creature has already been through so much and they all decide to do something nice for the stranger. There is a real sense of hope and kindness in this book and it portrays this significant issue appropriately to the younger audience ensuring they are aware and have a better understanding.
Published by – Nosy Crow Publication date – 02.05.19 RRP – £6.99 (PB)
How to be a Cat
This book follows a Kitten as it goes through a day copying an adult Cat and learning all there is to being a Cat. With a single keyword spread across each two page spread the book and illustration showing the action the book has a real fun vibe. This would make great fun with larger audiences of young children where they could copy the action on the page, acting it out. With paper cut out style illustrations in black and white that really give the book a bold style it is an interesting way for your readers to learn about the relationship balance between elder and younger and the milestones of a Cat and Cat lovers will truly adore this book.
Published by – Abrams and Chronicle Publication date – 07.05.19 RRP – £6.99 (BB)
Hummingbird
Written about the ruby-throated hummingbird and how they migrate to warmer countries in order to make their nests and have babies. Starting at grannys, feeding from the plants while they visit and then following them over the ocean to Washington and beyond before returning to grannys once the babies are able to fly. Written with beautiful lyrical flow and describing the rarity of being visited by a hummingbird poetically, the illustrations compliment the beautiful words too, in a stunning richness that appreciates the colour palette of hummingbirds and nature. It is easy to see why this has RSPB endorsement as this is a super stunning, really bird friendly book that leaves you wishing you could be lucky enough to see a hummingbird.
Published by – Walker Books Publication date – 02.05.19 RRP – £11.99
Sandy Sand Sandwiches
A fun adventure story with the little adventurers heading to the seaside. From exploring the rock pools to eating an ice cream, they do it all. The children have a great time which is reflected in the vibrant colours and fun sentences. Along the way the children are busy trying to do tasks to earn stickers which readers can see them collect along the top right of the pages. There are pages featuring rules set for the children which are adorably adorned with their relevant graffiti but still help young readers understand the importance of rules and staying safe at the seaside. A really fun book to enjoy.
Published by – Walker Books Publication date – 02.05.19 RRP – £6.99
Suzy Orbit, Astronaut
A fun story about Suzie Orbit and her Captain in space. Faced with potential disasters that will impact earth they have to be prepared to deal with it but the Captain is unprepared amd buys what he needs each time whilst Suzy is busy building and creating and when earth is on the brink of destruction Suzy saves the day with her creation. Great repetition in the sentencing will make it fun for children to join in and with a hilarious ending too. A really good sharing story for groups and fun to read together.
Published by – Nosy Crow Publication date – 06.06.19 RRP – £11.99 (HB)
Dinosaur Poems
A hilarious selection of dinosaur poetry and verse. Some of them rhyme throughout and others do not but they all capture your imagination and make you giggle and smile. A fun way to include poetry in young children’s selection of reading material, especially as dinosaurs are such a popular topic with younger audiences. This was great fun to read, laughing throughout, and the iconic illustrations from Korky Paul (think Winnie the Witch) add the finishing touches, ensuring the poems come to life in your imagination and are memorable too. These went down a storm when I shared them with younger readers at home and at work.
Published by – OUP Publication date – 02.05.19 RRP – £7.99 (PB)
The Same But Different Too
A beautiful rhyming story detailing the differences between us and also the similarities that link us too. The book features opposites and would make learning those fun, and as such enable interaction from young readers and audiences too. This book would make a great bedtime read as the book concludes with a bedtime of it’s own and features eye catching, vibrant illustrations that will engage the audience throughout. A really good way of showing young children that we can be inclusive regardless of being different which is a valuable life lesson that needs echoeing in as much medium as possible.
Published by – Nosy Crow Publication date – 02.05.19 RRP – £11.99 (HB)
A Lion is a Lion
A hilarious story that questions if a lion is still considered a lion if he does more human based things like dance or dress up. Discreetly getting younger audiences to think about the whole ‘wolve in sheep’s clothing’ dynamic and trusting the right people. This really feels like a timeless classic with traditional style illustrations that bring the story to life which ends brilliantly with the children in the story refusing to trust the lion and coming to the understanding that lions are lions regardless.
Published by – Walker Books Publication date – 02.05.19 RRP – £7.99 (PB)
The Really, Really, Really Big Dinosaur
This book is great to read to young audiences or at bedtime and shows how best to deal with being picked on by those bigger then yourself just like Finlay the dinosaur has to who does not back down and allow himself to be taken advantage of when a larger dinosaur comes along, preferring instead to justify not being intimidated because he has a bigger friend that will look out for him. A humorous story that you enjoy all the more especially as you can see where its leading along the way.
Published by – OUP Publication date – 02.05.19 RRP – £6.99 (PB)
More titles to feature on this months third instalment of Peeking at Picture Books, so please come back soon.
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