READING AND BOOKS

ALL THE WONDERFUL WAYS TO READ (Laura Baker, Sandra de la Prada)

Books take us on journeys that we can all share,

And give us the power to go anywhere!

So no matter just how, or what book, or your speed,

what I wish for NOW . . .

Is that YOU love to read!

All The Wonderful Ways To Read (Little Tiger, 2023) is a brilliantly playful poetic picture book that explores books and reading with children. Written from a grown up to a child, the rhyming conversation takes us through the many different ways reading can look - physical ways of reading such as lying flat, hanging upside down or curling up in an armchair, reading out loud, in a hurry, or savouring every word. Readers also discover types of books (books with pictures, books with dragons and books that make you go ‘wow'!) and even different reasons to read. After all, books are so much more than the paper they are written on and there are lots of different ways to be a reader. Laura Baker and Sandra de la Prada are a vibrant pairing and their story is celebration of books and the joy they bring.

THE BEAR AND HER BOOK (Frances Tosdevin, Sophia O’Connor)

"The world is big and there's much to see,

And a bear must go where she wants to be.

And a bear as curious as me - longs to gaze at the starlit sea!"

A book-loving bear sets off to see the world. She takes one special thing - her Bear's Big Book of Being Wise. But when she meets different creatures - each needing her help - she discovers that books aren't just brilliant at fixing problems - they can also help you make new friends. And if you're lucky, books can take you to a very special place indeed...

Dreamy illustrations and an element of wonder, The Bear and her Book (Uclan Publishing, 2021) is a beautiful story with a heart-warming ending that will resonate with book lovers.

THE BEAR AND HER BOOK: THERE’S MORE TO SEE (Frances Tosdevin, Sophia O’Connor)

The bear gave a sigh and she waved a paw,

“I’m a curious bear, who must explore.

The world is big, and there’s more to see -

And I’ll find this bear who is not like me.”

The Bear and her Book: There’s More to See (Uclan Publishing, 2022) is a gorgeous Arctic adventure that celebrates books and all the places they can take you - filled with endearing characters, magical skies and a sprinkling of friendship! The call of the wild is giving Bear itchy paws, so off sets on a new adventure with her book, fixing problems and making friends as she travels. But will she find the strange bear from her book - and if so, will it really be that different?

Frances' use of rhyme and repetition is soothing, pulling you into the story and through the pages. Sophia's illustrations bring this remarkable world alive.  Some of the most stunning wintery scenes ever seen. The overall effect is joyous.

I DONT LIKE BOOK. NEVER EVER. THE END (Emma Perry, Sharon Davey)

Once upon a time there was a little girl called Mabel. A girl who didn't like books. She used them for all sorts of things, from juggling to sledging, but she NEVER looked at the stories inside. Until the books decided they had had ENOUGH!

‪Mabel is the star of I Don’t Like Book. Never, Ever.The End! (David Fickling Books, 2021) and she is a fantastic character. Brought to life by Emma’s energetic text and Sharon’s vibrant illustrations, Mabel goes on a journey of discovery into the hidden worlds within stories. There’s also a fantastic last line! Vibrant, magical, pacy with a great message for book lovers.

LUNA LOVES LIBRARY DAY (Joseph Coelho, Fiona Lumbers)

In Luna Loves Library Day (Andersen, 2017), it’s not only books that are celebrated, but libraries too! Luna meets her dad at the library and gathers a whole collection of varied books – from history to mystery to magical fairy tales. Enchanting, warm illustrations make this a comforting read, reminding readers young and old how special libraries can be. Libraries offer a range of stories to be discovered – and shared. In this book there’s a subtle substory with Luna and her father, allowing readers to discuss different family dynamics if they wish. Luna Loves Library Day shows the power and connection books can bring to families and community.

(Reviewed by Laura Baker, the author of All The Wonderful Ways To Read)

BOOKS ALWAYS EVERYWHERE (Jane Blatt and Sarah Massini)

Book big, book small,

Book wide, book tall…

In Books Always Everywhere (Nosy Crow, 2013), the physical book itself is celebrated. With a simple rhyme for the very young, this story joyfully encourages readers to explore and share books, and to start their own relationship with them, whatever that might be. The illustrations are gorgeously sweet with relatable children throughout – and plenty of books to spot! Perfect to kick-start a reading journey, inspire young children to get hands-on with their books and discover what they have to offer.

(Reviewed by Laura Baker, the author of All The Wonderful Ways To Read)

DOG LOVES BOOKS (Louise Yates)

Children might recognise Dog Loves Books (Red Fox, 2010) from the CBeebies programme of the same name, but the book is a great place to rediscover a love of reading.

Dog loves books so much that he opens a bookshop. But no customers come. To keep him busy while he waits, he reads! His stories take him on amazing adventures, and he quickly forgets that he is alone and waiting. Then, when customers do arrive, he knows exactly which books to recommend to them.

This story shows how books can whisk you away on new adventures, to places away from wherever you might be right now. They can help you feel better. Sometimes, you can even find friends in books. Pick up your own book – what adventures will you find?

(Reviewed by Laura Baker, the author of All The Wonderful Ways To Read)

STORY SOUP (Abie Longstaff, Nila Aye)

Story Soup, (Templar Books, 2021) is a warm and humourous book that celebrates co-operation and the magic of storytelling. Ollie is mixing a story soup in the kitchen when his sister, Susie, comes along. She throws an item into his soup the story takes an unexpected turn. Ollie had wanted a skateboarding story, but Susie wants one about a princess! They end up with a twisting turning tale about a skateboarding princess, a pirate, yellow sausages and more.

This would be a great story to use to kickstart writing in schools and at home. In the back of the book is a story soup recipe, showing children the ingredients they need to create their own story. Ollie and Susie learn to work together in time to rescue their story before it gets out of control. The ‘moral’ plays out with plenty of action and adventure and lots of fun characters. Then. of course, they all live happily ever after.

HOW TO MAKE A STORY (Naomi Jones, Ana Gomez)

Milo wants to tell a brand-new story. But he isn’t sure where to start. He doesn’t want to get anything wrong! With some help and encouragement from his family, Milo learns to trust his imagination and turn everyday things around him into big story ideas. Join Milo through the process of creating a beginning, middle and end – and then of course, the best part: sharing his story too!

How to Make a Story (OUP, 2023) is a great story-starter to get children thinking about how to tell a story themselves. The text is deceptively straightforward, making it feel very much like you could do this too. The energetic art cleverly ties together Milo’s real world with his story ideas. A brilliant book for progressing from reading to storytelling.

(Reviewed by Laura Baker, the author of All The Wonderful Ways To Read)

HOW TO MAKE A BOOK (Becky Davies and Patricia Hu)

For older readers curious about how books come to be, How to Make a Book (Little Tiger, 2021) is the perfect guide. From the initial idea all the way through the acquisitions meeting, editing, illustrating, selling, marketing and finally to readers’ hands, this book covers it all. It includes technical elements, such as how printing presses work, alongside the emotion of the author’s idea coming to life (cue ‘happy dance!’).

Both children and grown-ups can pore over the fascinating level of detail included in both the text and the art, and they are sure to learn something new about the process. The book leaves readers with a sense of inspiration as well – maybe your own big idea could be a book one day!

(Reviewed by Laura Baker, the author of All The Wonderful Ways To Read)

THE STORY MACHINE (Tom McLaughlin)

In The Story Machine (Bloomsbury, 2015) Elliott is a boy who likes to find things and, one day, he stumbles across a machine. At first, he can't work out what the machine is for - it doesn't beep or buzz like all his other machines and it doesn't have an ON/OFF button. Then, quite by accident, Elliott makes the machine work. The machine makes letters! Elliott thinks it must be a story machine but, sadly, Elliott isn't very good at letters and words. How can he make magical stories without them? But, wait, some of the letters look like pictures. Elliott is good at pictures and, as he discovers, pictures make stories.

This is an uplifting picture book by author-illustrator Tom McLaughlin, who was inspired to use his own experiences of dyslexia to write about the simple joys of a typewriter in a world of hi-tech machines. Elliott might not be good at spelling but he can still create magical stories.

NO BUDDY LIKE A BOOK (Allan Wolf and Brianne Farley)

No Buddy Like a Book (Walker Books, 2021) shows readers how books can be portals to other worlds with a concept which will appeal to readers of all ages - 'The Book Express.’ The story highlighs that new learning can be acquired through reading, by including relevant non-fiction references such as to the planets or countries around the world, sparking curiosity. Some repetitive language patterns, including rhyming, are included, which will encourage interaction and language development. Brianne Farley's illustrations span a range of themes and add creative depth to the text. This book celebrates the journey books can take you on using your imagination. 

(Reviewed by Kara Kiernan, founder of The Book Train)

BOOKS MAKE GOOD PETS (John Agard, Momoko Abe)

Books make good pets and don't need going to the vet.
You don't have to keep them on a lead or throw them a stick.
They'll wag their words whenever you flick their dog-eared pages.
Even howl an ancient tale for the inward-listening ear.

Books Make Good Pets (Orchard Books, 2020) is a poetic celebration of the joy books can bring to a person's life. 

With repetitive language choices, including some rhyming, John Agard's words highlight the benefits of reading by comparing it to looking after various pets.

Whilst suggested for ages 3 - 5, the maturity of the language choices will also engage older readers through the complexity of some of the puns and similes. The creative illustrations by Momoko Abe bring the words to life and add some context for those who may not be familiar with the more ambitious vocabulary. A picture book poem that suggests books really DO make good pets!

(Reviewed by Kara Kiernan, founder of The Book Train)

TEN-WORD TINY TALES (Joseph Coehlo and Friends)
In Ten-Word Tiny Tales (Walker, 2023) Joseph Coelho and some fantastic friends show readers it is not only possible to spin a tale using just ten words, but fun too. Underwater worlds, demon hamsters, bears in outer space, and portals to places unknown... and all in just ten words! Each tale has been paired with one of the finest illustrators working today – and, together, the words and pictures will create a space for creativity as young readers imagine how the story might unravel. Readers might even be inspired to pen a ten word tiny tale of their own! Indeed, we are encouraged to take Joseph’s ten word tales – the seeds of stories – and conure up new beginnings, endings and middles, growing them into something magical, magnificent or monstrous!

The book also includes a note from Joseph Coelho, and two creative writing challenges, making this is the perfect gift for all those ready to unleash their imaginations and take their pen on a journey.

BOOKS AREN’T FOR EATING (Carlie Sorosiak, Manu Montoya)

Books Aren’t For Eating (Walker Books, 2022) is an inspirational tale that highlights how engaging books can be, if you choose the right one! 

Leopold the goat, the central character, is a reformed book eater and lover of woolly jumpers. He takes great pride in his bookshop - finding the joy in books, and sharing that with others. When another goat visits his shop looking for a book, Leopold helps. But much to his dismay, the visitor rapidly eats his choice! Through determination and reflective thinking, Leopold finds a way to overcome the challenge presented. The creative storytelling in this book, coupled with thought-provoking and emotive illustrations, showcases the power of stories and is bound to inspire all young readers, even the reluctant ones.

(Reviewed by Kara Kiernan, founder of The Book Train)

I DO NOT LIKE BOOKS ANYMORE (Daisy Hirst)

I Do Not Like Books Anymore (Walker, 2018) is an inspirational tale that highlights the joy books can bring, even when reading the words on the page can be a challenge. 

Natalie and Alphonse, the central characters, love sharing books with family members, including making up stories and getting fully immersed in the pictures. It is when Natalie is faced with the challenge of reading the words that her love of books wains and frustration takes over. Her journey to reading independence is beautifully illustrated by Daisy Hirst, who relates the letters to 'scuttling insects with too many legs and eyes'. Ultimately, Natalie realises there is so much more to storytelling and with a supportive audience she finds joy in books once more.

This book is great for promoting a love of reading, but also supporting those who are reluctant readers or those who find reading a challenge. 

(Reviewed by Kara Kiernan, founder of The Book Train)