A day’s work has never been presented more beautifully. Or as Claude Monet put it, ‘I can’t begin to describe a day as wonderful as this. One marvel after another. Each lasting less than five minutes.…’
Claude Monet loved to notice the world around him, patiently observing and painting what he saw. He particularly enjoyed sitting for hours in a little boat on the Seine River, sweeping brushstrokes filling one canvas and then another. At first his work was condemned; too bright, too tangled; too strange, too…Impressionist. But soon the art dealers and collectors would gather to watch a master at work. Monet was not interested in being watched, he was the watcher. The watcher of the light as it flickered and danced and changed the landscape… Paying homage to a creative who saw the world differently, Mornings with Monet celebrates the talents of Claude Monet, his painting process and a unique ability to go beyond capturing how something looks but how it makes you feel. Quiet, gentle, calming…this is a really beautiful picture book that would be great to share in a primary school art lesson and deliver the message that art doesn’t just appear - it is not magic, the end result can be magic but first you must work.
Art is a valuable part of the school curriculum and it is necessary that children are introduced to famous and important artists. This remarkable and picturesque read not only affords children the opportunity to familiarise themselves with some of Monet’s paintings but to also understand the commitment it takes to your craft, the work ethic needed and the mindset of a master.
This is not a comprehensive account of Monet’s life, like one of his pieces of art this is a moment in time that all takes place over a brief and wonderful morning out on the Seine River and is focused around his series of paintings ‘Mornings on the Seine.’ Even in this brief biographical slice of life, we get a real sense of Monet’s purpose and what drove him to get out of bed in the early hours of the morning and step out into darkness. A lover of the outdoors, of light, of colour. An artist who was bold with his brushstrokes, confident with his colours and rebellious in nature. He shied away from the life set out for him, refused to conform to artistic norms at the time and painted his own path. A radical creative who, along with other fearless painters, blazed their own trail. A trail that would create a new style of art that, at the time was ridiculed, is now ‘the most popular fine art style in the world.’ Inspiring and insightful, it is sure to encourage young creatives to not only paint what they see but to paint what they feel and to be confident enough to do it in their own style.
Lyrical text and luscious illustrations pull readers into Monet’s world, effortlessly transporting them to the waters of the Seine aboard a gorgeous little houseboat full of canvases, brushes and paint palettes. It is enough to get the creative juices flowing and have even the most unartistic reaching for the art supplies.
Detailed back-matter adds a further layer of interest and includes additional commentary on Monet’s life, the roots of the Impressionist movement and the series of paintings titled ‘Mornings on the Seine.’ A list of sources indicate the extensive research carried out and a small collection of photographs give a glimpse into Monet’s work. A morning with Monet is a morning well spent! An interesting and highly recommended title for young artists and lovers of the outdoors. Recommended for 7+.
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Music in her soul, fight in her heart. Eunice Kathleen Waymon was born in 1933 in a small town in North Carolina. In a house filled with music, little Eunice quickly discovered her own beat. She sang before she could talk and found rhythm before she could walk; music was in her soul. Sitting on her father’s lap, her fingers danced across the piano keys and with the help of a generous community she took professional lessons that introduced her to the greats of classical music. Like her mama’s preaching, she loved the way the music started gently then reached a thundering crescendo. When Nina played and sang with a voice rich and sweet, she wowed. And when the civil rights movement needed a voice it was Nina that Black people turned to. With a thunderous roar, Nina wouldn’t let her people down. Leading the fight for racial equality in the only way she knew how, through music and song… Following a young girl with music in her blood from playing the family piano whilst sitting on her father’s knee to becoming a performer, protest song writer and leading the charge for racial equality and a mission to rectify social injustice, this is a superb picture-book biography that introduces children to the life of Nina Simone and the influence she had in the music industry and the lives of Black people. Lyrical text, that Nina would be proud of, and vibrant, striking artwork pay a stunning homage to the life and work of an incredibly talented and strong woman. Nina’s life and story is a complex one that presents difficult topics but these are explored and explained brilliantly within the narrative. The roots of her genius are unpicked alongside some of the events that angered her, hurt her and disappointed her, leaving her feeling confused and beat-up by the world. Rather than be defeated, to let society win, to be oppressed and to tread the same path as those that had walked before her, Nina remarkably and bravely was inspired by the world around her and the issues that presented themselves. A brave and fearless warrior, she spoke when others were afraid to do so and used her suffering to enrich humanity and left a lasting legacy that no words can do justice. To label her a goddess is still a massive understatement. Exploring discrimination, the arts and social justice, the story of an immense and once-in-a-generation talent, who would not be kept down or silenced, is compelling. The girl who, after a failed audition for a prestigious music school, questioned that, ‘whether being Black meant an end to all her dreams,’ and even turned her back on music would come back stronger than ever as the music deep inside her wouldn’t stay silent. Despite daily struggles and massive injustices she found the strength, courage and boldness to stand tall, to stand up for what was right and to be there for a generation of Black people in their time of great need. Whilst much has changed in the lives of Black people, there is still much to do and Nina’s story is a renewed reason for optimism and hope and to encourage future generations to raise their voices, to be heard and to demand better #BlackLivesMatter
As captivating, illuminating and exquisite as one of Nina’s performances, this is a must-have for the classroom and library. It will leave children feeling inspired, optimistic and ready to take on the world. It will tempt many to go and check out some of her spine-tingling performances and music and that is time very well spent. I would start with these; Young, Gifted and Black, Mississippi Goddam, I Put a Spell on You, Feeling Good A perfectly composed children’s biography! Recommended for 7+. Movie star by day, ace inventor at night. Welcome to the incredible double life of Hedy Lamarr. Known to the public as a glamorous international movie star, Hedy Lamarr much preferred being out of the limelight and locked away in the confines of her inventor’s workshop. She had no interest in the glitzy Hollywood lifestyle, her passion was science and engineering. With a brain full of ideas, she would draft and design page after page of inventions. During World War II, Hedy and her good friend George Antheil invented a system to stop the enemy jamming the signal on torpedoes. Although the US Navy never put the invention into action, the technology would be implemented several years later to secure digital communications… The opening rhyming couplets are a perfect summation of this juxtaposed life and set the scene splendidly for this superb picture-book biography that introduces the lesser-known side of Hollywood royalty, Hedy Lamarr. ‘Dazzling looks, reference books; famous face, workshop space; many fans, secret plans; adored, ignored; stylist, scientist; glamorous, curious.’ Beauty, brains and brilliance! I knew little about Hedy Lamarr before reading this and I am very glad I did. Breathtakingly beautiful with an equally breathtakingly intelligent mind, her achievements off-screen are celebrated in compelling fashion as the worlds of STEM and Hollywood intertwine. Her story of being a STEM-loving, performing woman is such a fascinating one and is a brilliant example of how a person can have multiple talents and abilities. Lamarr successfully balanced the life of an actress with her passion for science and inventing and will inspire others to not be defined by just one thing. ‘People to seem think because I have a pretty face I’m stupid…I have to work twice as hard as anyone else to convince people I have something resembling a brain.’ Hedy Lamarr Well-written, educational and thoroughly engrossing, readers will be pulled into Hedy’s world and will be excited by her double life (give me the tinkering in the workshop over the red carpets any day). Packed with inspiring examples, perseverance, and the joy and rewards found in following one’s passions, the dichotomy of a STEM pioneer and movie star plays out like a Hollywood movie. With wonderful quotes from the subject, sumptuous illustrations that bring Hedy’s world to life, clever artwork that simply explains a complexed invention, and a compelling narrative that could easily be mistaken for a Hollywood blockbuster, Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life is a fascinating and enthralling story told accessibly.
Detailed back-matter adds a further layer of interest and includes additional commentary on the frequency-hopping spread spectrum with a helpful, simplified explanation, a timeline of significant dates in Hedy’s life, selected biography, and in keeping with the juxtaposition of her contrasting lives, a filmography. In a world where social media and likes thrive on beauty, this wonderfully inspiring and engaging read that gives the brains of the ‘most beautiful woman in the world’ the lead role would be a timely addition to any home, classroom or library. Hedy Lamarr is a superb role model, especially for those with a passion for STEM. Recommended for 8+. Not all painting has to be neat, to look like something particular and be easy to understand. Sometimes you just have to let the energy and rhythm flow through your body and paint what you feel. Born in the Wild West of the United States over one-hundred years ago, Jackson Pollock was unlike any other artist. Not one for standing in front of an easel with a paintbrush and palette in hand, he dripped, splashed and poured paint across huge canvasses spread out on the floor. Moving with energy, rhythm and grace, the colours would fall exactly where he wanted. Jackson didn’t paint like other artists. He only knew one way to create art and he wasn’t sorry in the slightest… Accessible and interesting, Fausto Gilberti's series of ‘and Wasn’t Sorry’ biographies are a brilliant way to educate children about important artists. Jackson Pollock was an experimental abstract expressionist who broke free from the mould and painted in an unconventional manner that would challenge and divide the artistic world. Clever and quirky, this homage to one of the world’s most important contemporary artists is a very befitting portrait of a one-of-a-kind creative. Just like the way Pollock painted, it is fun, energetic and with a generous smattering of splatters and drips. Narrated in the first person, simple texts tells the story of a wildly colourful artist who was in his element when gracefully gliding across a canvas with paint can in hand.
It is a celebration of individuality and a creative self who had the courage and audacity to step outside of the norms, create something innovative and leave a lasting legacy. Pollock’s radical representation of the artistic form would redefine what it meant to draw and to paint. There was certainly no colouring inside the lines here! Back-matter adds further interest with a page of biographical information and a photograph of a painting titled Number 1A which was created in 1948 on a huge canvas over two-and-a half metres in length and getting close to two metres wide. If you’re ever in New York then you can find it at the Museum of Modern Art. Fun illustrations and artistic licence will grab the attention of young readers, inspiring them to get creative, to be innovative and to experiment with their own unique ways and styles of painting. Recommended for 6+. You never know when Banksy will make an appearance, and here they are popping up in a picture book. Banksy is a world-famous street artist who, when no one is looking, secretly graffitis streets, walls and buildings. They have even painted on farmyard animals (none were harmed). Their paintings are often political and raise important issues such as pollution and poverty. They also love to paint rats. Like Banksy, rats scurry around the city streets causing a stir. Everyone knows their name, millions have seen their artwork, no one actually knows who they are. Bansky graffitis walls and they are most definitely, not sorry… Accessible and interesting, Fausto Gilberti's series of ‘and Wasn’t Sorry’ biographies are a brilliant way to educate children about important artists. Banksy is the ground-breaking, trail-brazing, renegade artist for the masses, no need to visit a gallery when the work is painted on the streets (although you will have to pay a small admission price to enjoy this read). Controversial, inspiring, a law-breaker, an enigma, iconic, unacceptable, one of the most important artists of the twenty-first century…Banksy is all of these things and Gilberti’s delightful picture book honours the life and work of the acclaimed and anonymous street artist with plenty of style, gusto, reverence and whimsy. Narrated in the first person, it is a highly entertaining and quirky introduction to the life of one of the most famous contemporary artists in the world. Banksy tells their story with humour and honesty as they talk about their work and their views on the world. Never specifically in the limelight, hard to be when your identity is unknown, but always a conversation generator with work and installations that are often political, raise important issues and challenge society. Kids will revel in the anecdotes as the mischief-maker of the art world regales many funny tales of sneaking into museums to hang his artwork in galleries without permission, adding sharks to a lake in London, filling a truck with crying stuffed animals on their way to slaughter, making a painting self-destruct so a wealthy woman could not own it and creating a gloomy non-amusement park in a seaside town in England. Mystery, coolness and controversy surround this artist and Gilberti perfectly captures the creativity, spirit and cheeky demeanour of an unconventional creative. Playful text is accompanied by stylish artwork that Banksy themselves might’ve created. Their character is a mischievous delight, dressed all in black, only eyes and nose visible, they hop across the pages with a spray can in hand and a wicked, up-to-no-good attitude.
Like Banksy’s work, this will cause excitement, a stir and plenty of reactions. Whether it be debating if it is OK to go around painting on walls and buildings, discussing some of Banksy’s work and actions or trying to identify who the secret street artist is, conversations are guaranteed and kids will be buzzing about Banksy and awestruck at their art, and that, is a very good thing. Back-matter adds further interest with a page of biographical information and a photograph of Girl with Balloon which appeared on Waterloo Bridge in London in 2014 and was voted as Britain’s best-loved artwork in a 2017 poll. Sure to grab the attention of young readers and will provide the inspiration for creatives to get out there, do their thing and make art on their own terms. Recommended for 7+. Science experiment gone wrong is the precursor for a colourful discovery in a fascinating, child-friendly, non-fiction, picture-book biography. Many years ago, the colour purple was only available to the elite. Making it was a complicated and rather revolting process that originally involved a snail. Hundreds of years later, after that recipe was lost, dyers had turned to plants, bugs, rocks and tubs of urine (eugh). Then William Henry Perkin came along and his scientific testing for a malaria cure would lead to the most surprising of discoveries. It wasn’t the scientific breakthrough he was hoping for but he had invented something very colourful that would change the world in more ways than he could have ever imagined… What links Queen Victoria, snails, wee and an extraordinary chemist? The colour purple! The fascinating true story of William Perkin and his groundbreaking scientific discovery will dazzle and delight STEM-loving kids, especially those with an interest in chemistry. A compelling narrative and radiant purple artwork bring life to an episodic moment in time, giving an insightful history of the colour purple and the impact a colourful discovery has had on the world. It is hard to envisage a time when purple simply didn’t exist, or at least not on the mass scale that it does today. But that was the world that Perkin grew up in. And whilst I’ll guess that he wasn’t too fussed about not being able to wear a purple jacket or write with a purple pencil, his breakthrough would have life-changing and life-saving consequences, sending ripples throughout the scientific community. Chemicals to preserve canned foods, medicine for immune disorders and chemotherapy, cures for tuberculosis and cholera, and scents for perfume are just some of the advancements that originated from Perkin’s work. But don’t forget, it all began with the colour purple. Perkin was a brilliant scientist. In a world where we take the colour purple for granted, it would be a great shame if children did not know the name William Perkin. This joyous celebration of STEM and the rewards found in perseverance and embracing failures affords children the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the work of an amazing man and to understand just why his accomplishments are so very significant. The inspiring story of persistence, overcoming problems, using the scientific method and pursuing your passions will encourage future scientists to take risks and to continue the search for answers, even if they are not those that answer the original question or solve the original problem. Detailed back-matter adds a further layer of interest and includes additional commentary on William’s life, colour, the ‘impossible to over state’ impact of his innovation, a step-by-step guide to the scientific method, a list of further resources and period photographs. There’s even an experiment to test out your own dying skills.
No need to ‘experiment’ with other books about William Perkin, this brilliant combination of history and science is purple perfection! Recommended for 8+. Important science and gentle storytelling unite to deliver the perfect read for discussing life and death with children. Early spring; the ground is frozen, branches are bare and dead leaves litter the floor. But look close and listen carefully for life is stirring. A flash of fire skulks amongst the trees. Fox is on a mission to find for food for her three cubs. As the playful cubs grow, mum teaches them the ways of the wild. A fox must be skilled to survive. Then one fateful day, fox dies. Her body returning back to earth, to plants, to air, to nourish the natural world and to support new life in the forest. Death is not just an end, but a beginning… Isabel Thomas explores the answer to one of the big questions about the natural world, ‘What happens when animals die?’ in a stunning scientific picture book that weaves together a moving and touching tale of a family of foxes with the facts of the circle of life. The experiences of a fox in both life and death are conveyed beautifully and matter-of-factly through a combination of lyrical text and exquisite artwork. While the thought of animals dying could be morbid and saddening, what author and illustrator present is something on the contrary. It is uplifting, heartwarming, something rather beautiful. Death is not a huge deal, it is simply part of the life cycle and with every sad ending comes a wonderful new beginning. New life can only exist and thrive if death is part of the process. As the final words say, ‘Life is everywhere. Death is not just an end, but a beginning.’ Rich back-matter offers further excellent content answering the questions; What happens when something dies? What is decomposition? What is death? Further paragraphs provide commentary on the building blocks of life (all things are made up of fewer than thirty particles that combine in different ways) and the cycle of life.
An extraordinary piece of narrative non-fiction. Recommended for 9+. The Metro in France, the Underground in London, the Subway in America, riding the rails beneath a bustling city is the norm for millions around the world but there was a time when such an idea would have been laughed at. But sometimes it takes just one idea, to get things rolling… New York…the greatest city on earth! In 1860 it may have been the greatest city on earth but it wasn’t without its problems. The streets were crowded, dirty and disgusting. Pushcarts and wagons, stagecoaches and buggies, animals and pedestrians all fought for space on the garbage-strewn cobblestone streets. Something had to be done. Everyone had an idea but nothing ever changed.That was until Alfred Ely Beach had an idea of his own…a train that travelled underground with no traffic, trash or weather to worry about. Was such a crazy idea the solution to New York’s busy streets… Uncover the fascinating, little-known and remarkable true story of one man and his bold vision as he flew under the radar, and quite literally under the streets of New York, to bring his vision of a miniature subway line to life. This is a captivating historical picture book that captures a unique moment in history and pays homage to an ahead of its time idea to solve New York’s congestion problem. STEM, history, secrets, can-do-attitude and good old skulduggery are all in action as a secret project that was disguised as an underground mail system happened from the basement of a clothing store. Despite Beach’s finished tunnel only measuring eight feet across and just under three-hundred feet long, it is a marvellous feat of engineering and human endeavour. In fifty-eight days, Beach and his team had built the first underground transportation system. The problem of how to transport New Yorkers across the city had been solved but things never progressed as perhaps they should have and Beach’s story is tinged with sadness. A sensation yes, but only for a short time. His years of hard work resulted in a few months of fan fare and success and then his idea would fall into the abyss and be completely forgotten about. Beach’s train would be derailed by (un)officials and politics and his underground marvel would be forgotten about until the subway system we know today was built almost fifty years later. A detailed author’s note offers more information about Alfred Ely Beach and the opening of the first offical subway line in 1904.
Shana Corey’s energetic narrative is great but the real show-stealer are Red Nose Studio’s stupendous artwork and his ability to conjure eye-catching scenes through his clever and unique craft. Created out of intricate dioramas that are constructed using clay figures, cardboard and other small objects, he brings life to the streets of late nineteenth century New York and a rich world of imagination and historical detail. An animated clip of The Secret Subway, again created by Red Nose Studio, can be found here and is well worth checking out. Alfred Beach and his secret subway is sure to captivate young readers, just like his fan-powered train captivated its lucky patrons over one-hundred years ago. Exquisite stuff! Recommended for 7+. A train station, a cat and a sprinkling of magic make for a tender and emotion-filled exploration of sadness and joy, the lost and found, hopelessness and hope, darkness and light. Everything about the station was grey, its colour drained long ago. Cold, damp, sadness and hopelessness had seeped their way into every part; even the passengers were not spared. When a ragged and feeble cat found her way in, she would surely become just another part of the greyness. But as she watches and learns about the passengers and their challenges in life, she begins to understand that perhaps she can make a difference. Will her radiant green eyes and luminous fur return colour and hope to people’s worlds once more… I loved Stephen Hogtun’s debut picture book Leaves, and from the moment I laid eyes on his new title I knew it was going to be something special. The Station Cat is stunning. Pairing spellbinding artwork with a gentle and lyrical story, the titular feline lights up a weary train station and the travellers that pass through with her dazzling colours and spritely demeanour. It is beautiful, it is heartbreaking, it is heartwarming, and it is sure to leave readers watery eyed. The story is gentle and kind, wrapping you in a warm hug as the magic from the station cat spills from the pages and into our own lives. What will really leave readers in a state of awe and wonder are the dreamlike illustrations. Each page is mesmerising, bringing colour, hope and a new sense of purpose as humans and animal spend precious moments together and significant and heartfelt connections are made. Even in the darkest of times, light can be found. Full of meaning and exploring themes of loneliness, sadness and death, Hogtun’s heartfelt, touching and empathic tale teaches the importance of helping and showing kindness towards others and the riches in doing so. It only takes a moment to check-in with someone else, to hear their story and to lend a hand but it could be life-changing and the sense of self-worth, pride and purpose that comes with such an act is priceless.
It isn’t surprising to learn that this story takes inspiration from real events. When a stray cat appeared in Stephen’s life, it would change him forever. At a challenging time, Georgie would always be there to bring ‘colour and happiness to the situation with her love and kindness.’ If only we could all create something so beautiful in honour of those that matter most to us. Sure to leave a lasting impression, words and images will linger in the memory long after the pages have been closed and the beloved cat with the twinkling eyes and luminous fur has left the station. A gem of a picture book! Recommended for 7+. Animals from across the world assemble as Dieter Braun, the author of Wild Animals of the North and Wild Animals of the South, presents Wild Animals of the World. Animals come in all shapes and sizes; tiny and gigantic, feathered and furry, slimy and scaly. They can be found across all seven continents of the world residing in forests and jungles, seas and skies, mountains and rivers, deserts and savannahs. No one knows quite how many populate our Earth. New species are regularly being discovered but every year many disappear. Extinction looms for even the largest and most powerful. A world without animals would be less colourful, less beautiful, less wondrous. Animals are amazing and this journey across the world is about to get wild… Dieter Braun invites you to join him on a breathtaking journey across the seven continents of the world and get up close and personal with some of the animals that can be found on each. Over two-hundred-and-thirteen glorious pages, a procession of animals are introduced, some familiar others less so. All are stunningly illustrated using geometric shapes and would not look out of place in an art gallery. This is as much a visual experience as it is a non-fiction read of animal facts. Accompanying short informative paragraphs are rich in detail with a focus on location, habitat, diet, mating, appearance, survival skills, predators and all of the other things that make each animal a special part of the wonderful diversity of life on Earth. Readers will love some of the more quirky facts that feature: the male ostrich can roar like a lion; the snow leopard is the world champion long-jumper of all mammals (jumping across 50-foot (15-metre) crevasses); the Japanese macaques who, when not learning the art of ‘snowball rolling’, love to spend hours splashing around in Japan’s hot springs. Others that wowed me and are stored to impress friends are the special ‘tricks’ of the Bactrian camel that allow it to survive in wildly fluctuating temperatures and incredibly harsh environments, the razor sharp incisors of a beaver that can bite through trees one metre in diameter, the Toco toucan and a beak that acts like an air-conditioner and the six-thousand spikes on an adult hedgehog (prickly!). Whether admiring the striking pose of the Manned Wolf (not actually a wolf), staring back at the moody gaze of the Jaguar, ogling over the regal and peace-loving red deer or admiring the spectacular breaching humpback whale, readers will be left with a deep admiration for the wonders of nature. Personal favourites are the elegant fire salamander - also brilliantly known as ‘little rain man’ and ‘rain newt’, the mythical-like appearance of the golden pheasant, the splendour of the emperor Penguin and the smile-inducing blue-footed booby (evidently I have a thing for winged creatures). Presented in hardback and with lovely thick pages, this is definitely a ‘table book’, one to leave out for the whole family, and for any visiting friends, to pore over, to get lost in and to be wowed by. Beginning with an impassioned foreword that not only celebrates animals but serves as a stark reminder to the human impact on the natural world, and ending with a quick reference index so you can jump straight to your chosen animal, this is a stunningly assembled package and will leave anyone who has the pleasure of looking at it with wide eyes and open mouths.
Non-fiction adventures in the wild don’t get much better than this! Recommended for 8+. History buffs and the intrepid at heart will love learning about life at sea and the trials and tribulations of those on board in this delightful recipe of excitement, peril, fun, gross-out and epic adventure on the high seas. 1768. James Cook is leading a team aboard the HMS Endeavour on an expedition towards the South Pacific to observe the transit of Venus and in search of new lands. Amongst the ninety-four strong crew are naturalist Joseph Banks, who is on the hunt for new plant and animal species, and the man responsible for feeding the hungry ocean-farers, John Thompson. From pease pudding to goose pie, shark steaks to albatross, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding to sauerkraut, the cook with one-hand will keep hunger at bay as he savours the sights, revels in the high and lows of life on the waves and cooks his way across the seas on the journey of a lifetime… Captain Cook, his travels and his discoveries might get all the limelight but he wouldn’t have eaten had it not been for his cook, John Thompson. Told from an alternative viewpoint, Cook’s Cook is a captivating and mostly tasty account of Captain James Cook’s first voyage. In this ocean-faring adventure, Thompson tells the story of a three year journey through diary extracts, speech bubbles, text boxes and recipe cards. Different stories intertwine as he recounts life on board, the places that the shipped docked at, the people encountered and the many adventures and misadventures of the crew. It is a most fascinating read that explores the journey of one of the world’s most famous explorers through a different lens. How a cook went about satisfying the appetites of so many hungry crew members on a daily basis is a feat in itself, never mind the remarkable journey, the thousands of miles travelled and only having one hand (it’s enough to stir the porridge). It must have been challenging to say the least to regularly cater for ninety-four men over a three year period. Food wasn’t always easy to come by but Thompson had a knack for keeping the offerings varied, the recipes somewhat mouth-watering and making the best out of whatever he had, although I’m not sure that all readers will be too keen to cook up some of his meals. Anyone fancy pease porridge, goose pie, stingray soup, albatross with prune sauce or dog and breadfruit stew? Lavishly illustrated with artwork packed with detail and delightful quirks, rich in historical trivia and crammed with information including jokes and secrets, readers will be captivated and enthralled by Thompson’s riveting account and the observations that he makes. Sadly, his story has a tearful ending as he, like many of the men on board, succumbed to illness and perished a few months before the ship returned home. While he was alive he had quite the adventure and he has quite the story to share.
Adding to this glorious adventure are endpapers that feature a cross section of HMS Endeavour along with notes and a map charting Cook’s first Pacific Voyage 1768 - 1771 with food served at various points along the way. A brilliant book about nautical history and early ocean adventures that allows children to get a feel for how long distance travel and exploration was once done. A valuable addition to any bookshelf! Recommended for 8+. What happens when imagination meets science and math? Things, wonderful, wonderful things. Ada grew up in a big house in the country. Much like her father, Lord Byron, she was a creative with a head full of ideas dreamt up by an overexcited imagination. Like her mother, she was interested in science and math. Growing up during the Industrial Revolution was an exciting time for Ada who was fascinated by machines. Socialising with London’s high society at the age of seventeen, Ada was bored by conversations on fox hunting, fashion and idle gossip. A meeting with Charles Babbage and his science and math-minded acquaintances would captivate her. Together, Ada and Charles would create something revolutionary and Ada would forever be remembered in history as a STEM pioneer… An unexpected friendship, a brilliant inventor and a visionary coder make for a fantastic biography that is both a celebration of STEM and of an amazing and significant woman. Beautiful illustrations and a perfectly balanced informative and entertaining narrative depict an incredibly important moment in history as Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, paved the way for the modern computer programs of the twenty-first century. Ada was the cool computer whizz with a brilliant mind for STEM. In a society dependent on technology, it would be a travesty if children did not know the name Ada Lovelace. Here, Ada gets the recognition that she deserves and children are able to discover an ahead-of-her-time pioneer and familiarise themselves with her work. It is hard to imagine a world without computers but this was the world that Ada existed in yet she had the foresight to envision something that was way into the future. It would be over one-hundred years later that code, that she had wrote, would be used to create the very first computer. If you’re reading this on an electronic device then you have Ada’s brilliance to thank! Ada’s story is coded with imagination, perseverance and following your heart (and mind). Despite following a traditional path-of-the-time that her mother pushed her along - home-schooling, high society, marriage, children - Ada still blazed her own trail, and evidently had an immense amount of fun along the way. Obstacles regularly presented themselves to Ada, including illness that curtailed her life way too soon and having to challenge gender stereotypes - she was only able to put her initials against her work for fear that her ‘Notes by the Translator' wouldn’t be taken seriously if people knew she was a woman, but she still achieved greatness in her field. Detailed back-matter adds a a further layer of interest and includes additional commentary on the work of Lovelace and Babbage, the incredible work at the London Science Museum who tasked a team with building both the Difference Engine #2 and the complex Analytical Engine (this blog from the museum is a worthwhile read), controversy surrounding the rightful author of the infamous Notes, a timeline of important dates, a selected biography and a glossary.
Ada is the role model that STEM-minded girls need. She ignored those that told her what she should or should not be doing, was not afraid to challenge society norms, rather than conforming she pursued her passions and used her genius and her visionary thinking to accomplish great things. Recommended for 7+. Adventure awaits and not everyone will enjoy a fairytale ending and live happily ever after. Grandma’s not feeling too great and a visit from you is just the medicine she needs to cheer her up. With your basket of baked treats and a keen sense of adventure you’re ready to go. But what to wear? Favourite red cape or cosy faux fur coat? All wrapped up and out the door, which way will you choose? This way or that way? Over here or over there? Who will you meet on the way? Will you make it to Grandma’s? Happy endings and tragic fates await, so choose carefully for the path to Grandma’s is fraught with friends, foes and fairytale adventure… Endlessly Ever After is a modern, fresh and original take on the choose your own adventure books that I remember from my childhood in the 80’s. Laurel Snyder and Dan Santat assemble a collective of beloved fairytale characters and locations, mashing them up into the most spell-binding, wickedly funny and often slightly dark read of multiple possibilities. The Three Little Pigs, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and a host of other instantly recognisable faces from the world of fairytales star in this brilliant interactive read that reimagines the well-known with brilliant twists and a hearty helping of the unexpected. Full of charisma, the unpredictable and supercharged with hilarious interactions this is storytelling of the absolute best kind. Fabulously written words delivered in bouncy rhyming couplets and lavishly illustrated pages will appeal to readers of all ages as they take full control of their reading journey with the destiny of Rosie solely in their hands and influenced by each one of their decisions.
Make certain choices and safe passage to Grandma’s cottage can be found; take a wrong turn and all sorts of perils await. With hungry wolves, a woodcutter all too keen to wield his axe, vengeful little pigs, crafty witches, beauties sleeping, wicked Queens, a goose on the loose and a host of others lurking in the forest, every choice can have significant consequences and could be the difference between a grisly end, a successful day out or simply an eventful jolly around the woods. Was it right to knock on the house with the blue door or would hurrying on to Grandma’s have been better? Will you help the soaked, pant-less boy or get away from him as quickly as possible? Are you an instinct follower or do you do exactly what has been asked of you? Whatever happens, the choice is yours. With numerous stories at their disposal, children will be returning time and time again for another adventure. Fairytales have never been so much fun! Pure magic! Recommended for 6+. When Ben Franklin sets foot in Paris, France, the city is all abuzz. Something remarkable, thrilling and strange is the talk of the town…SCIENCE. Parisians giggle at an invisible gas, marvel at the flying balloon and go crazy over the arrival of the American who they know for his famous kite experiment. Soon a new name has tongues wagging…Dr. Franz Mesmer. Mysterious and elegant, the suavely dressed enigma convinces people that he controls an invisible force that has the power to make water taste like the flavour of his choosing, can heal the sick and control minds. They come from far and wide. Everybody wants to be ‘mesmerized’. Franklin is sceptical though. Could his scientific approach to the unexplained reveal the truth behind the Mesmer mystery… A charlatan is no match for scientific thinking in this captivating picture book biography of an important episode in history. Mara Rockliff and Iacopo Bruno chronicle the events in late eighteenth century France as Benjamin Franklin uncovers the truth behind one of the biggest medical mysteries and exposed Dr. Mesmer for what he truly was, a ‘make believe’ doctor which was ironically the same phrase that could be attributed to the magic medicine has was prescribing to his patients. With the American Revolution in full swing back at home, Franklin focused his energy on science and his methodical enquiry. By observing, hypothesising, testing and concluding he would not only expose Dr. Mesmer as a fraudster but his work would lead to the significant discovery of the placebo effect - the blind testing method that is still used today. It is a fascinating account of how humans can be influenced to believe what they are being told. Much like Derren Brown makes a trade by manipulating minds in the twenty-first century, Dr. Mesmer was plying the same business in 1776. Mesmer was able to use hypnosis techniques to convince people by simply making them believe and getting them to expect a desired outcome. So in demand were his skills, regular medicine had been forgotten, all everyone wanted was the wave of Mesmer’s wand. Belief is a powerful healer. Franklin challenged the impossible with the probable and his early example of scientific enquiry would soon have Memser disgraced and fleeing Paris. Rockliff’s intriguing narrative makes science and science history accessible to children and with boxes labelled ‘The Scientific Method’ young minds will have a clear understanding of the processes involved in scientific enquiry. Iacopo’s period artwork is beautiful, bringing alive the fabulous Parisian settings, the schemes of Dr. Mesmer and the scientific observations of Franklin. Detailed back-matter adds a a further layer of interest and includes additional commentary on Franklin, Mesmer and these mesmerizing events.
Rich in detail, Mesmerized not only highlights the importance of scientific enquiry but makes it interesting for young readers who will likely be left ‘mesmerized’ by this entertaining and educational read. Recommended for 7+. Heard of Rube Goldberg? Discover how he became an award-winning artist, an inventor who never actually invented anything at all and even got himself in the dictionary in this delightfully barmy and hugely inspiring picture book biography. From an early age, Rube loved to draw. He had his sights firmly set on being a great newspaper cartoonist for one of the large publications. His father frowned upon such life choices and so Rube found himself studying to become an engineer and getting a job mapping sewer pipes. The creative spirit was not to be extinguished and soon Rube had his foot in the door at a newspaper where he would work his way up, creating cartoons that would amuse the masses. As well as his cartoons, people would fall in love with his Rube Goldberg machines that encompassed many parts and completed the most simple of tasks in the most elaborate and outlandish ways… Just Like Rube Goldberg is a fascinating, funny and insightful story that tells the tale of a passionate artist, disgruntled engineer, committed newspaper cartoonist and inventor of the crazy. It is a story of perseverance, passion and pursuing one’s dreams even when others are guiding you in another direction. It is about getting your foot in the door, doing the dirty work (quite literally in Rube’s case) and working your way from the bottom to the top. It is committing yourself to your end goal, giving everything and making sacrifices to achieve. We all know a child that loves to draw and Rube was one such chap who turned his passion into a career. As a cartoonist he was funny and smart. In the shape of his alter ego, an inventor who dreamt up impossibly intricate machines that defied the laws of physics, he would probably best be described as a nutty professor. His ideas and designs were wonderfully outrageous and his bonkers contraptions solved problems in the most farfetched, overly complicated and joyful of ways. Putting holes in doughnuts involved a goat, a carrot, a cuckoo, a ghost, an archer and a cannon. Turning off a light needed a whoopee cushion, a fan, a chimpanzee, a banana, wheels, a jack-in-the-box, a bowling ball, a see-saw and a small child. Cutting your own hair made use of a cat, a mouse, a boxing glove, cogs, pulleys, another goat, an old lady, a rocking chair and a boot. This was imagination and creativity at its free-flowing, unstoppable best. His contraptions were the kind of things you would expect to see in Wallace & Gromit, the children’s game Mouse Trap or that brilliant Honda Accord advert, ‘Isn’t it nice when things just…work?’ It turns out that the aforementioned kids’ game was actually inspired by Rube! Whilst none of his ideas were practical in the real world, that kind of wasn’t the point. Rube was all about drawing outside of the lines, tickling brains, making people think, and of course, giving everyone a good laugh. In his words his contraptions were, ‘a symbol of man’s capacity for exerting maximum effort to accomplish minimal results.’ Detailed back-matter adds a a further layer of interest and includes commentary on Rube’s very interesting life, some of the curious choices he made - including heading to France to observe the First World War close up and causing trouble when he made fun of US president Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiatives, and his awards and accomplishments. The endpapers are brilliant too, they feature several of Rube’s zany contraptions with black and white artwork and accompanying notes. I personally love his ideas for the mosquito exterminator, the best way to lick a postage stamp and how to not miss your train stop.
Follow your dreams kids! If there’s anything that we can learn from the inventor who is famous for not actually inventing anything it is to have fun in life, to do what you love and to most definitely step outside of the box. To stay inside the lines is fine but, ‘You have to have courage to be a creator.' Young creatives, those with a passion for STEM, inquisitive inventors and anyone who enjoys doodling will love spending time in the whimsical imagination of Rube Goldberg. Delightful stuff! Recommended for 6+. The rich tapestry of cinematography is expertly broken down for a middle grade audience by a master director. Movies are magical. They have the power to take us on adventures, on journeys, to transport us back in time and propel us into the future. They introduce new worlds, new people, new places. They present us with the impossible, the unbelievable, the magical. They make us feel happy and sad, make us laugh and cry, frighten the living daylights out of us and have us siting on the edge of our seats. A world without them seems incomprehensible. But believe it or not, there once was a time before the big screen. So when did movies start? And who introduced them to the world… Lights! Camera! Action! Grab your popcorn, your nachos, a large soda and sit back and relax as the history of cinema unfolds before your eyes. Meghan McCarthy is an accomplished creator of accessible, compelling and engrossing non-fiction for children and this is another shining example of why her books should be all in school classrooms and libraries. Action! is a stunning picture book that charts the origins and celebrates the originators of the moving picture. Phenomenally illustrated, with artwork of many famous movie scenes throughout history, fact-filled and rich in fascinating and insightful detail, the story of cinematography plays out beautifully and is worthy of it’s own Oscar (or at least a Caldecott Medal). The cinematic journey has been a complicated one and it starts in the 1800’s with early photography and long exposure times that meant freeze-frame of motion was not possible. As early pioneers tried to capture motion, the Kinetograph and Kinetoscope would allow brief sketches to be animated for the first time. These early viewings of animated life are a far stretch from the cineplexs and movie theatres of today. Individuals would peer into wooden boxes to watch early animation works; hits included a woman dancing for twenty-one seconds, a five second clip of a man sneezing and twenty seconds of boxing cats. By the late 1800’s cinema was born and people could now enjoy a shared viewing experience. Early works captured slices of life, moments in time, nothing like the cinematic blockbusters of today. Arrival of Train, Fishing for Goldfish, Baby’s Meal and The Blacksmiths would dazzle and bewilder. A magician in the audience would describe the experience, ‘We stared flabbergasted at this sight, stupefied and surprised beyond all expression.’ As time went on, films would continue to evolve; the transition from black and white to colour would take place - the use of dyes to colour parts of the film - and the major missing ingredient, sound, would revolutionise the silent era. Talkies were born and along with it came a new cinematic experience. Along with the focus on the transition from stills to silent movies to talkies, other tidbits of information shed light on early stunts, special effects, the challenges for black actors and the juxtaposition and correlations between the movies of yesteryear and those of today. At the heart of the cinematic journey and the on-going quest for bigger, better, bolder are the creators, actors, inventors and innovators. Those both front and stage and those off-screen have all contributed, have all inspired one another and will continue to inspire the future of movie production where the boundaries of possibility are pushed to the limits.
As the author acknowledges, ‘This is not an extensive history of cinema’s silent era. It is meant to be a jumping-off point, to get readers excited to learn more and hopefully do their own research by sampling old movies.’ It is a thoroughly entertaining and brilliant starting point complimented by a plethora of back-matter for readers to dive into; a history of MGM’s Leo-the-Lion; Female Editor’s; The Beginnings of Hollywood; The Disappearance of Louis Le Prince; Makeup in the Silent Era; and a detailed bibliography. A superb history of moving-making for children in their later years of primary school and an essential read for anyone with aspirations of working within the film industry. Recommended for 8+. Childhood play and a love for the outdoors would be the precursor for a life of adventures and encounters in the wild. Little Jane loved to be outside where the birds made their nests, the spiders spun their webs and the squirrels playfully chased one another. Through careful observations, she learned all she could about the animals and plants in her backyard. Jane was at one with nature; a magical world full of joy and wonder. In her favourite tree she would sit, captivated by the story of Tarzan of the Apes and dreaming about a life living with and helping the animals in the jungles of Africa. One day she would have to dream no more as the wildest of childhood fantasies would become a wonderful reality… Patrick McDonnell presents a heartwarming, simple and accessible portrait of a tree-climbing and nature-loving young girl who would grow-up to become a celebrated primatologist, conservationist, environmentalist, humanitarian and the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees. Simple text and wonderful artwork, including Jane’s childhood drawings and sketches, and a magical photograph of an incredible moment between woman and chimpanzee, will inspire readers to follow their own passions as dreams really do come true. Further information and a personal message form Jane are lovely inclusions at the end. Jane’s love, curiosity and respect for the natural world leaps off of every page: hiding in the chicken coop to observe the miracle of an egg being laid to being the founder member of the Aligator Society; creating animal puzzles to journaling and sketching everything she learnt; lying on the grass with a beaming smile to resting her cheek against the tree she named Beech so she could feel the sap flowing beneath the bark.
Young children will love learning learn about an amazing and inspiring women whose passion led to a marvellous career and whose discoveries and understandings were groundbreaking. A glorious introductory biographical picture book that celebrates the childhood of an amazing woman! Recommended for 4+. Adventurous woman who was born to perform makes it big in this magical spectacle. For some girls being ordinary was more than satisfactory but Addie wasn’t one of those. She craved excitement, to astonish, to shock and to dazzle. And this she would do. At a time when young girls on stage defied convention, Addie performed as a dancer before marrying legendary magician Herrmann The Great and joining in with his show. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for the crowds; set alight, decapitated, even shot out of a cannon. So when Herrmann tragically died, Addie knew the show must go on. But how to ensure the crowds came? The trick that terrified her the most could be the way to fill theatres but could she find the bravery to perform the Bullet-Catching Trick… Prepare to be astonished, shocked and dazzled by a legendary magician and master illusionist that you may not have heard of, I certainly had not. In this mesmerising picture book biography, Mara Rockliff tells the dazzling and captivating story of an aspiring performer’s rise to glory and her success in becoming the world’s first female conjurer. At a time when magicians and illusionists were men, Addie was a gender-defying phenom. Forging a career as female conjurer was quite possibly her greatest trick of all and earned her the moniker, ‘The Queen of Magic’. Revered by the audiences that she entertained around the world, her famous fans included escape artist Harry Houdini, and Harry Kellar would describe her show as, ‘perfect in every detail.’ She astounded and amazed everyone, her impact amongst magicians and within the world of illusion, now legendary. Addie’s true and thoroughly entertaining story will keep readers on the edge of their seats and Iacopo’s gorgeous artwork that brings alive the nineteenth century is as magical as the woman he depicts. Detailed back-matter adds a a further layer of interest and includes commentary on Addie’s life and the riveting quest to ensure that ‘The Queen of Magic’ was not forgotten about. A quest that would pluck a name from obscurity, a recognition of achievements and the discovery of a memoir. And if you want to know the secret behind that bullet trick, you can find out here.
This spectacular show is definitely worth the entry price! Recommended for 8+. I grew up in an era when magic was done by Paul Daniels and The Masked Magician. I would watch their performances for hours, fascinated by their ability to make the impossible happen before my very eyes. In more recent times, David Blaine, Dynamo and Derren Brown have all captured my imagination and have delivered the wow factor on another level. Imagine my utter delight when I heard that Justyn Edwards had created a series of books that would dazzle with the art of illusion, impossible trickery and the power of misdirection. Forget wizards, witches and schools for muggles and purebloods, this extravaganza would be magic in its purest, mind-blowing form.
Legendary illusionist The Great Fox has died and a successor is needed. The winner of a contest will inherit all of his magic tricks. Thirteen-year-old Flick Lions has been chosen as one of four participants but she isn’t interested in learning the secrets of old magic tricks, she has a much more personal reason for victory. The Great Fox stole something from her father and ruined her family. She is out to uncover the truth. Inside the Fox’s house house is the greatest trick of all time with the power to change the world of magic forever. Flick is out to find it and maybe, just maybe, bring her father home… Justyn Edwards’ sparkling debut is one slick read. Brilliantly written, original and fresh, The Great Fox Illusion is a wonderful bag of magic and misdirection, friendship and family, betrayal and revenge, truths and lies. Expect high stakes, high drama and secrets and illusions in abounds as young illusionists battle it out to be crowned the successor to a legendary magician. Edwards is clearly a fan of magic, I would go as far to say that he probably has a few tricks of his own up his sleeve. Like a master magician, he has you under his spell from first page to last, keeping you guessing, and even when you think you have things worked out another surprise comes along and has you rethinking what you thought you knew. The role of an illusionist is to deceive, to make you doubt, to question what you are seeing, Edwards delivers on all fronts. Snappy, pacy and suspenseful chapters offer up excitement by the bucketload, making for an unputdownable page-turner that is as captivating as one of David Blaine’s impossible stunts. More than just a tale of trickery, this is a story of the power of friendship and teamwork to overcome adversity and the strength found in resourcefulness and courage to not be slowed down by a disability. Characters with an amputation are much underrepresented in children’s books and something that we have been crying out for. Step up Flick Lions, a gritty, intelligent, strong-willed and vulnerable individual who does not let her limitations define her. Yes, her prosthetic leg - which is sensitively and authentically written about - gives her grief, it can sometimes slow her down and it does cause her pain but she is not defined by this, she is so much more and she is awesome. If you have the slightest interest in magic acts, fascinating illusions and want to learn some of the secrets behind how the tricks are done then you need to read this book. With a relentless stream of twists, turns and reveals, this is entertainment of the absolute best sort. The cliffhanger ending promises much more and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Recommended for 8+. Small town girl makes it big in this starlit picture book biography that budding astronomers and those seeking inspirational female role models will definitely want to read. Little Maria was born and raised on the tiny island of Nantucket. The child with an eye for detail was curious and loved to explore her island home. Although she struggled with schoolwork she was always determined and when father needed someone to assist him study the night sky, Maria was the answer. Captivated immediately, every night she stood on the rooftop and looked out through a telescope, watching and wondering and learning. One magical day she saw an incredible sight…a comet that had not been seen before. A discovery that would make her famous and be known as America’s first female astronomer… Somewhat naively I had never heard of Maria Mitchell but I have now and I strongly encourage everyone to read this brilliant example of how to create a picture book biography. This incredible story of Maria Mitchell - astronomer, educator, activist - is a breathtaking piece of literacy. Featuring lyrical text and stunning, starlit illustrations, it will captivate and dazzle young readers just like the night sky captivated a young girl from Nantucket. From simple beginnings to one of the most respected individuals in her field, this is an inspiring read of literally reaching for the stars. Rich in details and filled with information, including names of stars, planets and celestial phenomena, it is a joy to watch Maria’s passion for stars unfurl. From the first time she marvelled at the night sky and made friends with ‘stars that shone as if punched into the black with a whalebone needle’ to the time spent working on sailor’s navigation devices with her father; her teaching days where she shared her knowledge with others to becoming a librarian and devoting every non-working hour to studying more about the night sky. Persistence, determination and hard-work underpinned Maria’s life and she excelled at a time that was extremely challenging for women, especially women trying to be respected and gain an equal footing in STEM fields. Maria not only made a place for herself in astronomy but would provide the pathway for other women to follow. The detailed back matter highlights several key events, achievements and contributions in Maria’s life including her distinguished career and her activist efforts; it is a brilliant source of further information for the curiously minded.
It is essential that underrepresented figures get their time in the spotlight and books like this are a must-have in the classroom. This celebration of important STEM and astronomy achievements of a woman in history gets a massive recommendation from me. An important story for children to hear, especially young girls who want to follow in Maria’s starry footsteps. If you are ever in Nantucket I believe that the house that Maria grew up in, which is now a museum, is well worth a visit. You can peek into her bedroom and gaze up at the roof where she once stood, eye to a telescope, helping her father and making notes about the skies above. If you’re lucky enough to be there on the 1st of August then you can see the royal medal she received for her comet observation. Recommended for 7+. Look Up! Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer; Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Raúl Colón6/5/2023 Oh my, starry eyed surprise. Henrietta loved sitting on her porch gazing up at the stars. How high? How high is the sky? The sky seemed endless and she wanted to know about all of the bigness that she saw. Obsessed with stars, she would meticulously study photographs taken by the telescope at the Harvard Observatory where she worked. The more she looked, the more she noticed. There were tiny changes; the stars going from bright to dim to bright again. It was a pattern! The stars were speaking to Henrietta and would help her unlock the secrets to the universe. A universe that was far bigger than anyone had dared imagine… This is a glorious picture book biography about a remarkable and under-acknowledged female astronomer. A love for the night sky, an inquiring mind and an eye for the smallest of details tell the story of a young girl who would grow up to become the ‘pioneering woman astronomer.’ Robert Burleigh’s starry narrative and Raúl Colón’s fine watercolour illustrations offer a fascinating and insightful read. The name Henrietta Leavitt was one I had not heard of before which is astonishing given what she discovered. A discovery that would change our understanding of the universe, Earth’s place within it and the course of astronomy forever. Painstakingly recording the tiny changes and patterns in the stars, Henrietta would unlock the secrets of the sky and make it possible for scientists and astronomers to determine the distance of stars. This would lead to a greater understanding of the vastness of not only the Milky Way, the galaxy containing the Earth, but the unimaginable scale of the universe and the further galaxies within it. Henrietta’s story is a fine example of a woman in history achieving in a field that, at the time, was dominated by men. Surrounded by male astronomy teachers and students, Henrietta wanted to follow what she loved even if it meant working in a small, stuffy room as a ‘human computer' where the hours were long and the pay was poor. It would have been easy for her to just fall in line and to do what was asked of her, to record, to measure, to calculate; to work not think. Persistence and determination in the face of adversity and following your passion underpinned Henrietta’s life and her hard-work proved that the tiniest of discoveries can have the biggest impact.
Detailed back matter includes a collection of famous quotes about the stars with words from Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr.,Vincent Van Gogh and Dante Alighieri; commentary on Henrietta’s life; an overview of her discovery and its impact; and a brief overview of other notable women in astronomy. A glossary and further reading suggestions complete this attractive picture book biography. Described by one astronomer of her time as ‘one of the most important woman ever to touch astronomy,’ and regarded by another close associate as having the ‘best mind at the Harvard Observatory,’ Henrietta Leavitt will inspire STEM loving children, especially those with a head (and eyes) for the stars. Recommended for 7+. A terrified circus performer gets the chance for redemption in this sweet, life-affirming and uplifting read. Circus performer The Great Zapfino stands ten terrifying stories above the crowd, ready to perform the thrilling LEAP FOR LIFE. Plummeting towards the ground he will dodge peril and brave calamity before landing on a tiny trampoline, all for the entertainment of the expectant audience. Or at least he would if he wasn’t afraid of heights. Running away from the circus, Zapfino finds himself a job in the city and a nice room. But you can’t outrun your fears and when a fire breaks out he is trapped high above the streets. Will Zapfino summon up the courage to be great… From Mac Barnett (he never disappoints) and Marla Frazee comes a brilliant, largely wordless picture book about overcoming your fears and taking that all important leap of faith. With seventy three words, nine of which are Zapfino, humour, honesty and fear are all told through a mix of hugely entertaining and expressive black and white vignettes and full page artwork that require children to read the visuals. The illustrations are incredible, Frazee expertly capturing the smallest of details - pay close attention to the elevator sketches, so much to be seen and discussed here as Zapfino converses with and observes all manner of people going about their days. It has all the feels of a black and white movie from yesteryear, and a thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing one at that. This is such a clever story and children will be smiling knowingly and chuckling along as The Great Zapfino flies in an aeroplane, takes a job as a lift porter and moves into a room on the tenth floor, all whilst being scared of heights. Zapfino’s very literal trial by fire happens when a toaster he has bought earlier in the story causes a blaze and forces the performer out onto the ledge of his tenth storey room and leaves him once again staring down at a tiny trampoline and a perilous jump into the unknown. Fear always finds a way into our lives in one way or another and courage is often found at the times we need it most. When adversity comes along the human spirit and mind has a way to achieve what had previously seemed impossible. It is to easy to identify with Zapfino having his can I, can’t I moment and readers will be delighted in watching him become ‘The Great’ as he somersaults his way down to safety. He even earns a big ‘Z’ to wear on his porter uniform. I’m sure this heroic feat of bravery and pushing oneself beyond what one thought they were capable of will be met with rapturous applause all round from the captive audience.
Inventive, imaginative and with an important lesson, The Great Zapfino is a brilliantly executed and wonderfully original piece of storytelling. One of my new favourite (mostly) wordless picture books. Spectacular! Recommended for 4+. Secrets and Spies: The Underground World of Espionage; Anita Ganeri, illustrated by Luke Brookes1/5/2023 Calling all double agents, triple agents, masters of disguise, code breakers and wannabe secret operatives. Espionage in one form or another is one of the oldest human activities to have ever existed. The actions of spies from across the globe have changed and shaped the world with their activities scattered throughout history. Now it’s your turn to go undercover and enter the world of secret missions, covert ops and classified information. Discover the history, meet infamous spies, decipher the codes and embark on daring missions. Do you have what it takes to join the ranks… Spies of the world assemble in this captivating, engaging and thrilling look at all things espionage. Through the stories of real life spies we meet those that have gathered, diverted and concealed information and stolen closely guarded secrets, always trying to stay one step ahead of the enemy. We discover the important impact that espionage has played in shaping global history and the tools, techniques and tricks needed to successfully deceive and carry out a dangerous and thrilling role. We learn what it takes to go unnoticed and the deadly consequences of being caught and identified as a traitor if it all goes terribly wrong. The journey into spies and secrets starts way back in the ancient kingdoms of China, Egypt and India where some of the earliest evidence of spying has been discovered in books and artefacts. Next comes acts of espionage in Medieval and Tudor times. This is followed by significant historical events - specifically global conflicts - and the roles that spies played in the accumulation of political and military information. It is fascinating reading and it is hard to imagine the experiences of those that led double lives, or in some remarkable instances, triple lives, and carried out many acts of bravery. Plenty of spies and their actions are name-checked and the mini fact-files and bios are a great starting point for further research. Other areas of interest include; what exactly spying involves, disguises, spy skills, gadgets, tricks and tools of the trade, the evolution of spy craft, codes and ciphers and some rather unusual ways that animals have been involved in spying. And of course, no book on spies would be complete without a nod to the ultimate movie spy…’The name’s Bond, James Bond.’ I particularly enjoyed the spread on Bletchley Park (a place that I definitely need to visit and have a look around) and the comic strip story of Alan Turing and his work in creating the revolutionary Enigma codebreaking machine that would be influential in helping the Allied forces to victory in World War II. The exploration of the art of modern spying and the influences of technology in the world of espionage - cybercrime, hackers, the electronic sharing of information and the eyes in that sky that are spying on us 24/7 - ensure that content is bang-up-to-date. Packed with visual and textual detail, dramatic comic-book style illustrations pop off of every page and are supported by a plethora of information presented in a variety of engaging ways; snappy bite-size chunks, comic strips, fact-files and news reports will keep the attention of readers. A glossary of espionage terms and definitions can be found at the end that will have young spy-enthusiasts talking the talk in no time.
Like a good spy, I am doing my best to not give too much away. There are plenty of secrets waiting to be discovered within these pages but you’re going to have to read for yourself to discover them. A terrific read! Recommended for 8+. Seven childhood's ended too soon. Seven ghosts back to haunt those involved in their demise. Get your frights for free at Grimstone Hall. Winners of a creative horror-writing competition, Jake and nineteen others are special guests at Grimstone Hall. The most haunted house in England is steeped in spooky legends with an unusual twist…all of the ghostly inhabitants are children. As the group are led around the house and grounds, the tour guide shares ghost stories, each more sinister than the last. Jake loves a good ghostly tale but strange apparitions and the tour guide’s weird behaviour have him on edge. Something is wrong at Grimstone Hall, very wrong indeed… If you’re after a gripping, intriguing and suspenseful ghost story with a heart-stopping twist at the end then look no further. Chris Priestley is the master of age-appropriate frights, delivering terrifying tales, mystery and eerie goings-on whilst just about managing to not scare the living daylights out of readers. Spanning the centuries, Seven Ghosts recounts the unnerving and creepy tales of seven children who met their end at Grimstone Hall. As different families take possession of the estate, tragedy, revenge, guilt, trickery and jealousy see various children die and their ghostly forms return to haunt the rooms and halls of the property. The interconnected stories of each ghost are delightfully chilling, spine-tinglingly good and will have those hairs on the back of the neck standing to attention.
Complimented by deliciously dark and spook-tastic artwork, this is the perfect read for Hallowe’en season or would make for an incredibly atmospheric storytelling around the campfire underneath a full moon. As with all Barrington Stoke titles the book is published using dyslexic friendly font and colours so everyone can enjoy this unsettling read. A must read for children who get their kicks from ghostly tales. Recommended for 9+. The Super Happy Party Bears are always happy unlike their neighbours in the Grumpy Woods who always have the grumps. Major Quill, Bernice Bunny, Squirrelly Sam and the other critters never want to join in the fun and games. When some beavers arrive and dry-up the river, the townscritters are grumpier than ever. There’s only one solution…the beavers have to go. The Super Happy Party Bears disagree. Will their dance party bring everyone together and save the day… Get ready to sing, dance, eat doughnuts and party till you drop at the Head Quarters of Fun, the home to the Super Happy Party Bears. This first in a series of colourfully illustrated chapter books about a wood full of grumpy animals and their nemeses, the over-the-top and always happy partying bears, is a fun-filled delight. Featuring a brilliant cast of animals and exploring the problems with neighbours who have very different approaches to life, this is nine chapters of happiness and community spirit trying to overcome grumpiness. Children will adore the antics and intentions of the Super Happy Party Bears who bring optimism, persistence, endless positivity and, of course, a party, ensuring that everyone feels welcome in the Grumpy Woods.
Young readers will love hanging out with these bears where LOLs, smiles, a good time and doughnuts are guaranteed. Recommended for 5+. |