Paul O'Grady and Michael Morpurgo on our children's book hitlist
One of the first things to be done when we moved in several years ago was to add bookshelves to bare walls to accommodate the large quantity of books we’ve acquired over the years, writes @newburytoday children's book reviewer CAROLINE FRANKLIN
These shelves are now overflowing with two layers (at least) on each shelf. Carrier bags of books go to charity shops, but more and more and more replacements arrive and the bookshelves are seen to be bending – just a little. The variety is infinite, ranging from a large golden book about George VI’s coronation, through classics, family favourites (I will never give away The Diary of a Nobody by the Grossmith lads) to those books which I am going to get through one day but not yet, and modern must-reads.
Even in these days of the very useful Kindle, I would wish every child to have bursting bookshelves of well-loved books to become old friends. The Christmas gift-giving time is getting closer. Choose the book you give a child carefully and if you have chosen well it may become one of those very good lifelong friends. Perhaps among the following books there is the one you are looking for.
Any tale written by Michael Morpurgo is bound to be enjoyable, but The Giant’s Necklace is quite remarkable.
It is not long, this story of Cheryl who, while on holiday with her family, decides to collect enough cowrie shells to make a giant necklace. On the last day of their family holiday she still needs 30 more shells and stays on the beach to find them. She doesn’t notice the tide coming in and that she is cut off. What follows – and then what follows that – is an outstanding example of an excellent story with the most unexpected, thrilling ending. Young readers of eight-plus will love it.
Published by Walker Books at £6.99 (PB)
At first sight Human Kindness may look like a picture book for small children. In fact children aged nine and upwards will find plenty to interest in them in the myriad paragraphs each telling its story of the many people who have shown kindness to others all over the world. An early page gives the example of the kindness, help and generosity which enabled a cave man who lived 45,000 years ago to reach the age of 40 – a wonderful age for humans at that time. Charity bake sales get a mention, as does Seabin, an invention to clean up the oceans. I was touched to read about Froglog, a device which gives small animals a way out of pools if they get stuck. Then there is the London hairdresser who offered free haircuts to homeless people, a brave junior officer on the Titanic and many, many more examples of good fellowship are described, as well as notes on how children can show kindness themselves.
A heartwarming, colourful book by John Francis.
Published by What On Earth Books at £14.99 (HB)
Would it be a good thing to be able to talk to animals, birds and insects? While you’re having a think about that, consider giving Paul O’Grady’s Eddie Albert and the Amazing Animal Gang – The Curse of the Smugglers’ Treasure to a deserving bookworm. Not only can young Eddie speak to them, he has an entourage of animals who go along with him on his adventures. He and his friend Flo (human!) get caught up with two nasty characters, the Rancid twins, who are out to find buried treasure – the snag being that it’s guarded by the ghosts of 13 pirates. Well, there’s always a problem.
Illustrated by Sue Hellard, the story is funny, exciting and full of very friendly chatty animals. Children of 8 plus who read the first book in the series will know they are in for a treat.
Published by Harper Collins at £12.99 (HB)
Desmond and the Very Mean Word has a foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a man who know what he’s talking about. This story of forgiveness is written by the Archbishop and Douglas Carlton Abrams and dedicated to Father Trevor Huddleston, one of the most important and caring members of the anti-apartheid movement.
A small boy, Desmond, has a new bike and is SO proud of it, but his pride disappears when a group of boys shout a mean word at him. Desmond cannot forget it and wants to get back at the boys, to hurt them. He goes to Father Trevor who tells him that such an action will only result in more hurt for himself. He has to be kind and then he will be free. Desmond takes his advice, discovers it is true and all the joy he felt before returns. The story is based on an incident which happened to the Archbishop when he was growing up and ‘Father Trevor’ was, of course, Father Trevor Huddleston, his childhood hero. A picture book illustrated by A G Ford which carries an important lesson for young children to learn.
Published by Walker Books at £9.99 (PB)
Illustrator of The Gruffalo, Axel Scheffler, has created another lovable character in Katie the Kitten.
The sturdy, colourful board pages have arrows directing small hands to pull, twist or push making changes to the story of what Katie gets up to during the day – and the night. This attractive little book will help toddlers find out how to develop fine motor skills – ie how their hands work – whilst listening. Katie’s story is a delight.
Published by Campbell Books at £6.99 (HB)
It is likely that Jon Klassen’s The Rock From The Sky will be enjoyed as much by adults in the family as by the children.
Even the very young will be able to appreciate what could be described as the non-adventures or lucky escapes of three animal friends.
In the five tales there are very, very,VERY few words, three animals and a Big Rock.
Perhaps the easiest story to describe is the one in which two animals suggest the tortoise comes to sit with them to watch the sunset.
He takes so long that it is pitch black before he gets there – by which time, of course, they are not watching the sunset any more…
To say this book is funny is to under-estimate Jon Klassen’s brand of extraordinary, straight-faced, hilarious sense of humour. Enjoy it.
Published by Walker Books at £8.99 (PB)
