Libraries and librarians in picture books
“Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk
You can’t help but like a mouse who adds to the collection rather than destroy it. I also liked the fact the librarian wears a ‘I love books’ badge
Libraries and librarians in picture books
“School for Bandits by Hannah Shaw
I always think a library is an indicator of a good high street.
I chose the book as its one that Freya has at nursery & it has now become a regular bedtime request. She is happy pouring over the pictures picking out the teddy, a cat and a variety of sealife.
It’s a story of a group of children who believe that Pirates live ‘in that house on the corner’
They create a whole mythology around this idea, my favourite being if you looked at the pirate washing you could turn into jelly fish.
When the door to the house finally opens however they are in for a disappointment, but the story ends with a clever little twist. As the children shout ‘nothing EVER happens on our street’ those with keen observation skills may think differently.
I have really enjoyed reading this story, especially the depiction of a group of children happily playing out on the street, stretching their imaginations in a place they are comfortable in. I absolutely love the colour palette & illustrations adding a real joy & vibrancy to the story.
Libraries & librarians in picture books
Here are a range of well loved children characters showing what fun ‘going to the library’ can be
And one from my own childhood way back when
We had a lovely morning in Hay on Sunday, this was Bryn’s 3rd visit to the festival & was another successful trip.
Our main reason for visiting was to hear the fabulous Clara Vulliamy read from her latest book written by James Mayhew, ‘Bubble & Squeak’
Bubble & Squeak is a deliciously sweet book, to find out more about the book check out these lovely reviews over on Playing By The Book & Story Seekers.
Clara started the session by drawing the 2 protagonist, & went on to read the charming story to a captivated audience. After the excitement of the story we were directed to tables adorned with pink felt mouse noses, beautiful ribbons, colourful buttons and felt to make our own mouse puppets. Bryn and Freya had great fun making their creations and love having their very own ‘Squeak’
We then headed over to the bookshop to get our mitts on the book and were in store for more treats. As well as getting the book signed we were given a bag with Bon bons, stickers & bubbles.
The rest of the morning was spent blowing bubbles, eating ice-cream, sitting on hay, colouring in & enjoying being part of the lovely literary festival that is Hay
This is a book review Bryn & I wrote for the Guardian Family Reviews
This is a skilfully constructed book in both its images & language. A building site full of diggers, cranes & bulldozers which ends in a row of newly built houses & families moving in.
Both Bryn and I love the 3D torn paper collages in this book. Bryn enjoyed spotting what the pictures were made up of and it inspired him too root through the paper recycling & create his own pictures.
Bryn was also fascinated with the array of construction vehicles in the book. Each double page spread is action packed as each vehicle contributes its own unique aspect to the building project.
A real treat of a book to read aloud with its rhyming and alliteration, this has been a big hit.
Libraries & librarians in picture books
“Babies love Books by Catherine & Laurence Anholt” – a celebration of books thanks to @chatiry for the recommendation
“The Library by Sarah Stewart” – not sure this one has a collection management policy
Pandamonium at Peek Zoo brings the return of the fabulous Mr Peek and his son Jimmy. Mr Peek plans an animal parade to celebrate the arrival of a new baby panda. The preparations however are not plain sailing, with Mr Peek being the main obstacle.
Like Mr Peek I too have been daydreaming about organising a parade in honour of this fantastic book (although not in such stylish pyjamas)
The head of the parade would be Mr Peek, a fantastic character. He brings an enormous amount of humour to the story as in his oblivious state he generates chaos.
Followed closely behind by Jimmy the true hero of the story fixing Mr Peeks mistakes & avoiding “pandamonium”
The adorable baby panda Lulu adds cuteness to the parade
At the rear of the parade we have the charming language in the story with beautifully quaint phrases such as “Tickety Boo” & “apple pie order”. Bryn loved these phrases & was even inspired to create his own for one of the many disasters in the story which he described as “apple crumble”
Adding fireworks to the parade are the stylish illustrations containing key plot developments helping pace the story. Bryn eagerly poured over the illustrations keen to point out what was about to happen next, being actively part of the storytelling.
The much talked about Mr Whiskerwitz pads in front of the big finale, the endpapers which contains hints of another possible Mr Peek story (or perhaps it’s just my wishful thinking)
This is a fantastically funny story, a beautifully crafted book & thoroughly enjoyed by all the family.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. I was not asked to write this post, nor was I given any money for doing so, and the review represents my own honest opinion.
Libraries & librarians in picture books
“When the Dragons Came by Lynne Moore, Naomi Kefford illustrated by Benji Davies”
Looks as if RFID has not yet made it to this library
Thanks to @mrnick for the recommendation
Libraries & librarians in picture books
“Curious George Visits the Library”
“If I Ran The Zoo by Dr Seuss”
The big question is what is ‘library paste”?
Thanks to @melissaterras for the recommendations