Tim Warnes's Blog: My Life in Books, page 4

Little Owl and the Christmas Star – a Nativity story for the very young

 Little Owl and the Christmas Star by Mary Murphy (Walker Books, 2003)Good to Read for:sharing the Nativity storyits feeling of peace and joythe sparkly, foiled endingIt’s never too early to start sharing stories with your children (or grandchildren!). The different rhythms and sounds help stimulate and develop their listening and language skills.

Perhaps most importantly, it promotes bonding and gives an opportunity in your busy schedules to stop, sit, and be present with the kids. The message your child receives is loud and clear: you are loved.

Love is the underlying message of the season: For God so loved the world that He sent His only son, Jesus Christ. And that’s the theme of today’s recommendation: Little Owl and the Christmas Star by Mary Murphy (Walker Books 2003). 

It’s a joyous re-telling of the Nativity, told from an unusual perspective: a curious little owl. With its bold images and simple, childlike language (not to mention some added sparkle!), it’s aimed squarely at the preschool crowd – and it’s a little gem! 

The story begins with a nod to a popular Christmas carol – It was a silent night – and we meet Owl, who sits in their tree ‘with a waiting feeling’ until the arrival of a star.

Using child-friendly language, Murphy (and her friendly owl narrator) gets straight to the point.

 

“Follow me, Little Owl!” said the star.

And I did.

   

It’s a lovely touch which puts Little Owl at the centre of the journey. Because now, it’s not just the star that leads the wise men and the shepherds to Bethlehem. It’s Little Owl and the star! (“Follow us,” said the star. And they did.)

Little Owl flies alongside the star against a deep, indigo sky dotted with smaller coloured stars. The ‘[c]hildlike shapes and bright colours against a dark blue background radiate joy,’ notes Children’s Bookseller. (In some scenes, Little Owl is relatively small, which helps give a sense of the distance travelled.)

Everything about this story is childlike – which makes it so appealing. Little Owl is childlike in his size, outlook and language. He effectively represents the young reader and voices their questions with suitable innocence. Here’s an example, 

 

On we flew.

We heard singing, a song of great joy.

“Who is that singing?” I asked.

“Angels,” said the star.

“Oh,” I said. “Aren’t they lovely!”

 

Murphy’s adorable owl offers kids a charming introduction to the Nativity. For the non-Christian, it’s a calming version of an age-old tale. But believers should note – despite its simplicity, it’s theologically sound.

The wise men are referred to simply as ‘men’ (not the fabled Three Kings).

They, along with the shepherds, follow the star, which stops over a stable.

But guess what? Little Owl gets there first!

 

The stable was warm and quiet.

I saw a donkey and a cow, and a man and a woman.

They were looking at a baby, sleeping in the manger.

 

Little Owl’s description of the baby Jesus hits the spot for me.

 “What a happy, happy baby!” they say. When the owl stretches out their wing to touch the baby’s cheek, the feeling of joy and happiness is palpable.

   

What a happy smile!

The smile went right inside me.

 

Wow. That line speaks volumes.

And who can resist what the publisher describes as the story’s triumphant ending?! With a glorious burst (its effect emphasised with the addition of a sparkly foil finish), the star fills the world with light. (I think this is the only part of Murphy’s re-telling that Christians may take exception to. Speaking personally as a follower of Jesus, I find this moment perfectly acceptable and view the star as a metaphor for what Jesus is destined to do.)

   

“I’ve read it to my children from 18 months and they love [its] bright illustrations and the simple language,” writes Figlet in their Toppsta review. “My older children still insist it’s read to them every Christmas.” (They also note that their kids request it throughout the year – a testament to the book’s appeal.)

Little Owl and the Christmas Star cuts through the commercial dross of the season and captures the spirit – and true meaning – of Christmas. With an air of childlike innocence, it exudes love, peace and joy – and sets you up for a quiet moment of connection with your child.

Tips for sharing Little Owl and the Christmas Star

The story comes as a sturdy board book - great for babies and pre-schoolers! Allowing your child to turn the pages and play with the book as an object helps them engage with it – and you.

Little Owl is relatively small in some of the illustrations. Go through the book and ask your child to spot them.

The triumphant, sparkly ending looks – and feels – great! Encouraging your child to trace the light emanating from the bright star with their finger helps engage them (and develop fine motor skills).

STORIES WORTH SHARINGLittle Owl and the Christmas Star by Mary Murphy (Walker Books, 2003)Good to Read for:sharing the Nativity storyits feeling of peace and joythe sparkly, foiled endingCopyright © 2003 Mary Murphy (Text & Illustrations)From LITTLE OWL AND THE CHRISTMAS STAR by Mary MurphyReproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London, SE11 5HJGOOD TO READBest picture books about the Nativity 

Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan

Refuge by Anne Booth & Sam Usher

Little Owl and the Christmas Star by Mary Murphy

Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi & Jane Chapman

Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell & Jason Cockcroft

Click here for a round-up of my favourite Christmas picture books BUY THE BOOKPowered by Bookshop.orgSupporting independent bookshops  “a wonderful introduction to the Christmas story”– Kirkus Reviews

“A joy to read aloud!”– Children’s Books Ireland BUY UK *currently unavailable on US Bookshop.org* I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLES

SOURCES

Little Owl and the Christmas Star by Mary Murphy (Walker Books, 2003)Mary Murphy: Little Owl and the Star, A Christmas Story (marymurphy.ie) Little Owl and the Christmas Star (Walker.co.uk) Little Owl and the Christmas Star (toppsta.com)Are you stuck for quality stories that you and your kids will enjoy? Sign up for your free weekly email with story recommendations and tips. sign up here! © 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE

Making friends with Knight Owl

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise(Little, Brown & Company, 2022)Good to Read for:wannabe knightsinspiring kids to dream bigits exciting story

You can see more of Christopher Denise’s work on Instagram (@christopherdenise)

When my two were young, they role-played being knights. Lots of kids (dare I say, boys?) do. They would have loved this week’s Story Worth Sharing: Knight Owl by Christopher Denise (Little, Brown & Company, 2022) about a little owl that dreams BIG!

It’s worth mentioning just how cute Owl is - because kids will adore him! Wide-eyed and diminutive, he wants to become a knight. Determined and hard-working, he makes an excellent little role model!

Regardless of any shared aspirations, kids will relate to Owl. Like them, he is small and vulnerable, inhabiting a world dominated by those larger and stronger than himself. 

Denise’s illustrations are rich in detail and conjure up a totally believable Medieval world. At home, Owl is surrounded by wooden toys of knights and dragons and books on the subject. Meanwhile, his father’s newspaper, The Olden Times, warns of knights going missing and dragons looming large. In case these hints are overlooked on first reading, the text spells it out:

 

Knights began disappearing from the castle.

 

Uh-oh.

But there’s a silver lining – for Owl at least. He gazes longingly up at the poster nailed below the portcullis.

 

KNIGHTHOOD in just 2 weeks! Apply today!!!

Live a life of honour & ADVENTURE!

 

This is Owl’s opportunity! He needs no further invitation to follow his dream and applies to Knight School. ‘And to everyone’s surprise, he was accepted!’

His parents’ expressions in the accompanying vignette are priceless!

   

(Speaking of parents – my dad was a conservator for the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. He worked on their collection of Old Masters, so it was always a treat to visit him at his studio and see what he was restoring! Perhaps that’s why I spotted a lovely little detail – Owl’s plan for a trebuchet is Leonardo Da Vinci’s!)

   

Despite Owl’s ‘habit of nodding off during the day’ (snuggled up to his cuddly dragon toy), ‘[he] was an excellent student.’ With hard work and determination, he reaches his potential and graduates Knight School ‘with honour, as all knights do.’ 

First assignment: the Knight Night Watch.

 

He was very good at his job.

 

Naturally!

 

All alone on the castle wall, he finally felt like a real knight.

 

Owl whiles away the hours by toasting marshmallows on the tip of his spear. ‘All alone on the castle wall, he finally felt like a real knight. Until late one evening’ – 

 

Owl heard a strange sound.

Whoosh!!!

It sounded like a huge bird flapping its wings.

“Whooooo,” Owl called.

 

Owl’s eyes are wide, wide, wide. (Making him look cuter than ever!)

   

Denise strikes the perfect balance between exciting and scary, cleverly spreading the dragon’s reveal over a few pages, which adds to the overall suspense of the story. Even when the majestic, golden-eyed dragon finally appears, looming above the castle turret, Owl is unaware of its presence. With his back to the creature, Owl continues calling, “Who, who, who, whooooooooooo!”

Kids will be gripped (and may shout out, IT’S BEHIND YOU!)

   

Finally, Owl turns and faces the dragon.

 

“Whooo, me?” said a deep voice.

“Who you?” asked Owl.

“I am a hungry dragon,” said the dragon.

Owl was very afraid.

But because he was now a real knight and knights are brave, he puffed out his feathers and said, “I am Owl, and I am a knight of the Night Watch!”

 

Go, Owl!

   

The colours are rich and dark, and despite the imminent threat (“You look like a midnight snack.”), the fire in Owl’s brazier lends the scenes a warm, cosy feel. You can almost hear it crackle as the embers fly up into the cool blues of the night sky.

Good Reads reviewer Tim makes a good point. Because Denise balances the night's darkness with the fire's glow and a good dose of humour, Knight Owl avoids being scary. “So it’s the perfect book for a child who is a little nervous but is trying to be brave in the dark. My daughter really enjoyed it and it’s a frequently requested “again, again” book,” he says.

(I can’t imagine many kids wouldn’t want this read repeatedly. It has everything going for it – suspense, humour, a frisson of danger, knights and dragons – and the cutest darn owl I ever did see!)

Back to the story: Owl de-escalates the situation by engaging with his adversary. At first, there is talk of being eaten (their conversation has a hint of Billy Goats Gruff (“You don’t want [to eat] me. I am too small, hardly even a mouthful.”)) But clever Owl comes up trumps with a suggestion of something ‘tastier and more filling’ than himself. 

Squires Takeaway Pizza! Hot, delicious and fire roasted. (Look back, and you’ll see flyers for the pizza company all over the place!) 

‘It turned out that the dragon loved pizza.’ Just like Owl.

And that’s not all they have in common:

 

They talked about how each of them had hatched from eggs, how much they liked the night, and how flying was hard to explain to someone who had never done it before.

 

Kids will engage and identify with the seemingly insignificant Owl. He is, in effect, playing the part of the little kid in a big playground, facing down someone bigger and badder than themselves. And we’ve all been there. What’s lovely is that Owl overcomes his adversary with the power of kindness and, in doing so, teaches children an important life lesson: friends come in all shapes and sizes. It’s worth taking the time to get to know someone – because they might become your new best friend. The earlier kids learn that truth, the more content and fulfilled their lives will be.

Tips for sharing Knight Owl

Take your time! Knight Owl’s well-crafted page turns are designed to build up the tension. So read slowly and quietly and lean into the suspense!

Have fun and play with the characters’ voices (perhaps the dragon has a deep voice and the owl a higher, more child-like one). Try out some regional accents to give them more personality! (And when Owl calls, “Who, who, who, whoooooooo!” make it sound owlish!)

Owl dreamed of being a knight. Ask your child about their Big Dream. Think of some things to do together that can encourage that dream.

STORIES WORTH SHARINGKnight Owl by Christopher Denise(Little, Brown & Company, 2022)Good to Read for:wannabe knightsinspiring kids to dream bigits exciting storyCopyright © 2022 Christopher Denise (Text & Illustrations)From KNIGHT OWL by Christopher DeniseChristy Ottaviano Books/Little, Brown & Company

You can see more of Christopher Denise’s work on Instagram (@christopherdenise)

And if the book isn’t cute enough, there’s an official Knight Owl plush toy available!

GOOD TO READ

Best picture books with a frisson of danger

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs by Giles Andreae & Russell Ayto

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Mina by Matthew Forsythe

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Lavender by Posy Simmonds

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell & Patrick Benson

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman

DANGEROUS! by Tim Warnes

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 “Will definitely be rereading at bedtime for many nights to come!”– Sara Staszel, Good Reads
“a frequently requested “again, again” book.”– Tim, Good Reads buy uk buy us * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCESKnight Owl by Christopher Denise (Little, Brown & Company, 2022) Knight Owl (Tim’s review, goodreads.com, 28 March 2022)Are you stuck for quality stories that you and your kids will enjoy? 

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sign up here © 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE

The Best Christmas Picture Books

Good to Read for:creating memoriesbuilding family traditionsadding to the excitement of the seasonSince Santa has already begun stocking up on this year’s gifts, I thought now might be a good time to recommend some of the best (and my favourite) picture books for the festive season.

Why? Because like a good Christmas movie, carefully selected picture books add to the overall excitement as the countdown to the Big Day begins – and are a great way to make children/grandchildren feel special. 

(Depending on where you live, they may also be the only way your child experiences snow this year!)

I’ve added as many of the recommendations to my virtual bookstore as I can. Goodnight, Manger and others highlight the birth of Jesus. Stories like It’s Christmas! feature general festivities and traditions – such as Santa – so beloved by kids. I’ve added a few extra favourites simply because they capture the magic and wonder of winter – like Once Upon a Northern Night and The Snowman. As always, these are quality stories – hand-picked to bring you closer together with the children in your life. 

There’s plenty to choose from. So if you want to bless a child this Christmas, take a look with them in mind and see what feels right.

   

Don’t forget!

You can borrow (and order-in) books from your local public library.

You can buy second hand to save money. World of Books buys unsold inventory of used books mostly from UK charity shops (and unlike Abebooks, is not owned by Amazon).

 GOOD TO READBest picture books for Christmas!

Jesus’ Christmas Party by Nicholas Allan

I’ve Seen Santa! by David Bedford & Tim Warnes

Refuge by Anne Booth & Sam Usher

Father Christmas by Raymond Briggs

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Harvey Slumfenburger’s Christmas Present by John Burningham

Melrose & Croc: A Christmas to Remember by Emma Chichester Clark

I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug! by Caroline B Cooney & Tim Warnes

It’s Christmas! by Tracey Corderoy & Tim Warnes

Emily Brown and Father Christmas by Cressida Cowell & Neal Layton

Olivia Helps With Christmas by Ian Falconer

I Love You More Than Christmas! by Ellie Hattie & Tim Warnes

Toot & Puddle: Let It Snow by Holly Hobbie

Toot & Puddle: I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Holly Hobbie

Kipper’s Christmas Eve by Mick Inkpen

Little Owl and the Christmas Star by Mary Murphy

Once Upon a Northern Night by Jean E Pendziwol & Isabella Arsenault

Goodnight, Manger by Laura Sassi & Jane Chapman

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr Seuss

Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell & Jason Cockcroft

Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman

   BUY THE BOOKSPowered by Bookshop.orgSupporting independent bookshops* I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFF BUY U.S. BUY U.K. Still unsure what your child will like? You can find some in-depth reviews in the links below – written to give you confidence that you’ve chosen something special.

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SOURCES

Customer image © @bedtime_books_with_bear | Used by permissionIllustration from I’ve Seen Santa! © Tim WarnesIllustration from Toot & Puddle: Let It Snow © Holly HobbieIllustration detail from I Love You More Than Christmas! © Tim Warnes© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE

Maya and the lost cat

Maya & Cat by Caroline Magerl(Walker Books, 2019)Good to Read for:cat loverscosy story timesits poetic descriptionsChildren have a natural inclination to befriend small creatures.

So this week’s recommendation –Maya & Cat by Caroline Magerl (Walker Books, 2021), about a child’s kind impulse to rescue a soggy moggy – is a winner from the get-go. 

It was the cat-strewn cover that attracted me. Then the atmospheric art inside. Once I read the opening lines, I was hooked:

 

On a roof,

as wet as a seal,

as grey as a puddle,

Cat was rumbling,

a rumbly purr.

 

Maya decides it needs rescuing. But her feather boa and pompom aren’t enough to lure the kitty down.

Instead, she floats a can of sardines – described as ‘a boatful of fish, under a tiny tin sail’ – across the water pooling outside her front door. That does the trick!

 

Pad pad thump,

in perfectly quiet fur boots,

Cat came to see – 

and ate every oily silver morsel!

 

But instead of taking shelter inside, Cat returns to the rooftops, climbing higher still and ‘[wraps] herself up in a soggy tail…floating above a thousand lit windows.’

One window must be Cat’s own, thinks Maya – and she takes it upon herself to find it.

So with ‘a new can of fish in her pocket’, Maya leads the way.

 

Cat followed politely behind.

   

The characters in Maya & Cat are quirky to the point of being eccentric. Maya herself wears a hat with tufted corners –reminiscent of a cat’s ears. Trailing her long feather boa through the puddled streets (and with a can of fish in her pocket), Maya goes from house to house to make her enquiries. Kids will love peeking inside at the secret lives within. One home is full of rabbits. Another with dogs. (Observant readers can speculate at the house with a duck in the window!)

Bingo! – a house full of cats (and obligatory Mad Cat Lady)!

 

“Have you lost a cat?”

“Probably not.”

 

Meanwhile, Cat (in true feline fashion) is doing her own thing. After watching from a safe distance, she hurries back down the rain-shiny street to Maya’s home. Finding Cat sitting in her bicycle basket, Maya seems to understand Cat’s meaning and the pair head off again.

Maya ‘[follows] Cat’s nose’, cycling ‘through the town and across the park’ and down to the sea.

 

Along the shore

and onto the pier, thunketty, thunk

on the wooden boards.

 

Look closely – Cat is pointing toward an eccentric-looking houseboat, rocking on the stormy sea at the end of the pier. It’s an ark-like home adorned with potted plants and pennant flags. (One extremely long one resembles Maya’s feather boa.) 

   

Happy to be home, Cat ‘[springs] circus-lion style’ into the outstretched arms of her owners, who welcome Maya aboard for a spot of afternoon tea.

Maya has accomplished her mission and escorted Cat safely home. Their stormy adventure is over. It’s bittersweet and feels like it may end in tears. But Cat has other plans. (Perhaps she’s had them all along…)

 

[S]ly and gentle,

Cat carried something…

a bundle of small and cloudy grey…

and gave her kitten to Maya.

 

It’s a lovely surprise! But why would Cat give her baby away? The answer: Her kitty (named Moby) gets seasick. So life on a boat will never work out. But now he gets a happy ending! ‘Trying her best not to wobble’, Maya cycles home with Moby, where she snuggles him up ‘in the waves and folds of [her] blankets’ to contentedly purr the night away.

 The twist raises interesting questions for curious young readers: Was Cat ever lost?

Was she searching for someone to adopt her seasick kitten – or was her encounter with Maya by chance?

There are hints, clues and suggestions. At the start, Cat seems to be watching Maya from the rooftops; it’s Cat who leads the way home – yet they pass a LOST CAT poster… Magerl cleverly leaves it open to interpretation. Meanwhile, Maya is shown alone – no sign of friends or family. Maybe she’s the one who’s lost?… 

I agree with the Cast of Thousands’ review of Maya & Cat. It feels timeless (perhaps because Magerl’s illustrations bring to mind Quentin Blake, Charlotte Voake and Edward Ardizzone) and contains ‘images and ideas...that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading and make you want to look and think again.’

Maya & Cat is more than a heart-warming story. It’s a creative spark for your to nurture and use to chat with your child. Its poetic descriptions will enrich children’s language. Ultimately, it does what quality picture books do best. It gives you and your child a precious moment of connection. 

Tips for sharing Maya & Cat

Make time to discuss how the illustrations make your child feel. Do they like being out on windy, rainy days? What about if they’re safe and warm inside?

Maya & Cat successfully turns the idea of being ‘lost and found’ on its head. Use it to prompt some creative thinking: Cat’s owners believed her to be lost. But did Cat feel lost? Did she know where she was? Was she simply searching for someone to adopt her kitten?

Maya & Cat is a quiet, calming story. Enhance the mood further – and get even cosier – by playing the sound of rain as you read: https://youtu.be/jMtXrmUox44

STORIES WORTH SHARINGMaya & Cat by Caroline Magerl(Walker Books, 2019)Good to Read for:cat loverscosy story timesits poetic descriptionsCopyright © 2019 Caroline Magerl (Text & Illustrations)From MAYA & CAT by Caroline MagerlReproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London, SE11 5HJGOOD TO READ

Best picture books about being lost and found

The Storm Whale by Benji Davies

Beegu by Alexis Deacon

Let’s Get a Pup! by Bob Graham

A Bit Lost by Chris Haughton 

Mr Scruff by Simon James

Perdu by Richard Jones

Little Honey Bear and the Smiley Moon by Isobel Lobel & Tim Warnes

Sam Vole and his Brothers by Martin Waddell & Barbara Firth

Bear Feels Scared by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman

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 “Definitely one for curling up with on a rainy day or night.”– GoodReads
“delicious and lyrical”– The Sunday Times  BUY USA BUY UK * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLES

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Maya & Cat by Caroline Magerl (Walker Books, 2019)https://www.castofthousands.co.uk/blo...Are you stuck for quality stories that you and your kids will enjoy? Sign up for your free weekly email with story recommendations and tips. SIGN UP HERE © 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE

Sweet dreams for little kids: ‘Thank You and Good Night’

Thank You and Good Night by Patrick McDonnell (Little Brown Kids, 2015)Good to Read for:creating a calm atmospherea snuggly storytimeteaching gratitudeDoes your child have a beloved soft toy?

Noah (my eldest) had a cuddly Mole who accompanied him everywhere. The pair were inseparable! Mole was such a fixture of our lives that he inevitably features in my picture books – you can spot him in Little Honey Bear and the Smiley Moon and What Small Rabbit Heard. 

 

Levi took his obsession with cuddly toys a stage further. He had a great multitude of them which he referred to as his ‘kids’ – so woe betides if you forgot to kiss one at bedtime… 

If your child is similarly obsessed with their soft, fluffy friends, I have a real treat for you this week: Thank You and Good Night by Patrick McDonnell (Little Brown Kids, 2015).

The story begins with Maggie helping her rabbit, Clement, get ready for bed:

 

Maggie helped Clement button his favorite pyjamas – the ones with the blue and white stripes.

   

Suddenly, there’s a DING DONG at the door:

 

“We’re here!” announced Jean and his friend, Alan Alexander.

 

What a kind friend Maggie is. She’s invited Clement’s friends over for a surprise pyjama party!

Thank You and Good Night is a homage to some beloved children’s books. The teddy bear – Alan Alexander – is named after Winnie-the-Pooh’s author, A.A. Milne. At the same time, the elephant is a nod to Babar’s creator, Jean de Brunhoff. 

As for Clement and Maggie – they reference the classic Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd - as do Clement’s blue and white striped Pjs (there’s even a little mouse to spot!). Not to mention the iconic red balloon Alan Alexander takes to the sleepover.

   

It’s not necessary to recognise the references to enjoy the book - but they’re nice little touches for adults.

Thank You and Good Night is full of cute little moments that kids will relate to. For example, when the friends bounce on the bed, – “Wheeeee!”, “Hooray!” – Alan’s pyjama bottoms come loose: “Oops!”

   

Small observations like these add gentle humour to this simple bedtime story. It comes naturally to McDonnell, who’s best known as the creator of the daily comic strip, Mutts (of which I’m a fan). MacDonell transfers those skills to create a concise, witty text with illustrations that layer on detail and humour. 

 

“Now what?” Jean wondered.

“Is it time for bed?” Clement asked.

“No,” Alan declared.

 

Thank You and Good Night acts as a Beginner’s Guide to Pyjama Parties for kids, and hostess Maggie wisely steps back to allow the kids to find their own fun and let off some steam. After bouncing on the bed, Alan teaches the chicken dance, and Clement wins the funny-face contest. They play hide and seek (‘again and again’), bounce the balloon, have a snack and make a wish on a shooting star.

   

Now things can start to wind down. A bird sings them a lullaby (reading it will help create a calm atmosphere for your own child):

 

“Sweet sleep,

Sweet sleep,

Sweet sleep.”

 

Jean gets sleepy.

Alan gets sleepier.

 

“Gee, I’m already asleep.” Clement yawned.

 

A page or so later, three friends sleepwalk to bed - more of those little details that will comfort kids and make them smile. And as we all know, once in bed, ‘snuggled under the blankets’, all they need is a bedtime story to seal their sleepy time fate.

 

“Once upon a time…” Maggie started.

“Ooh, that’s a good one!” Exclaimed Alan Alexander.

“Hush,” whispered Clement.

 

So, what stories does Maggie read to her friends? Those classics that inspired MacDonnell to create the characters in the first place –

 

stories about a majestic elephant, a brave bear, and a quiet bunny…

Stories that bring sweet dreams.

 

Finally – and this is the part that makes this simple bedtime tale shine out – the friends give thanks for their day. Their ‘long list of that and this’ is concluded ‘with a good-night kiss.’ The gentle cadence – reminiscent of Goodnight Moon – is guaranteed to lull tired kids to sleep.

   

The Children’s Society (UK) states that 5 children in a classroom of 30 are likely to have a mental health problem. Developing an attitude of gratitude is widely acknowledged to support positive mindsets and good mental well-being. Learning to pause, be mindful and recognise the good things in life is an important lesson that helps the whole family thrive. So follow Clement, Alan and Jean’s example and use Thank You and Good Night to build a daily gratitude routine.

 

“Thank you.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you.”

And good night.

  Tips for sharing Thank You and Good Night

Support your child’s well-being by intentionally incorporating gratitude into your child’s bedtime routine. Learning to do this helps children become mindful and appreciate everyday small things – for example, a beautiful bug spotted on the way to school. (Use the characters’ examples to guide your child if they get stuck.)

Feeling brave? Plan a sleepover! Maggie lets the friends find their own fun. But make sure you have some excellent wind-down stories for when it’s time to settle down… (See my recommendations below.)

Ask your child about their favourite soft toy friend. What do they like to do before bed? This moment of connection will help your child feel seen – and encourage creativity.

STORIES WORTH SHARINGThank You and Good Night by Patrick McDonnell (Little Brown Kids, 2015)

Good to Read for:

creating a calm atmosphere

a snuggly storytime

teaching gratitude

Copyright © 2015 Patrick McDonnell (Text & Illustrations)From THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT by Patrick McDonnell(Little Brown Kids, 2015)Illustration from Little Honey Bear and the Smiley Moon by Gillian Lobel © 2006 Tim WarnesIllustration from What Small Rabbit Heard by Sheryl Webster © 2010 Tim WarnesGOOD TO READBest picture books for a calm bedtime

Very Special Friends by Jane Chapman

The Snatchabook by Helen & Thomas Docherty

The Night Walk by Marie Dorléans

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth & Tim Warnes

Goodnight Everyone by Chris Haughton

Once Upon a Northern Night by Jean E. Pendziwol & Isabelle Arsenault

Max at Night by Ed Vere

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Hurd

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell & Patrick Benson

Sam Vole and his Brothers by Martin Waddell & Barbara Firth

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen & John Schoenherr

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Unfortunately, ‘Thank you and Good Night’ is unavailable on bookshop.org but have a look at my other recommendations for a calm bedtime  buy uk BUY US * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCESThank You and Good Night by Patrick McDonnell (Little Brown Kids, 2015)Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, ill. by Clement Hurd (Harper and Brothers, 1947)KidLit TV: Storymakers with Patrick McDonnell (kidlit.TV, 16 October 2016) Children's mental health statistics (childrensociety.org.uk)Little Honey Bear and the Smiley Moon by Gillian Lobel, ill. by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press, 2006)What Small Rabbit Heard by Sheryl Webster, ill. by Tim Warnes (Oxford University Press, 2010)Are you stuck for quality stories that you and your kids will enjoy? Sign up for your free weekly email with story recommendations and tips. Sign up here © 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE

Teaching children to share with Dot and Duck

How Selfish! by Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Olivier Tallec(Happy Yak, 2022)Good to Read for:Exploring friendshipLearning to shareThe funny charactersPicture books are fantastic tools for parents and carers. They teach valuable life lessons and skills that help your children thrive.

Usually, those lessons are subtle and nuanced, though sometimes – notably in Richard Scarry’s work – it’s more overt. His biography (The Busy, Busy World of Richard Scarry) remarks how his books ‘usually contain many reminders that children should be polite and well-behaved, wipe their feet, say please and thank you, and in general observe the rules of courteous conduct.’ The problem with this, of course, is that ‘the rules of courteous conduct’ vary wildly between families and cultures. 

    

Being unselfish is universally regarded as a positive trait. My recommendation today tackles the theme (and the consequences of behaving selfishly) head-on via a clash between two friends, Dot and Duck in How Selfish! by Clare Helen Welsh and Olivier Tallec (Happy Yak, 2022).

What are they fighting over? One of the most prized playthings – a stick, of course!

   

My kids could amuse themselves for hours with a good stick. On one memorable trip (when Noah was only just three years old), it became a multitude of exciting items that triggered his imagination.

   

(In a similar fashion, a discarded length of wooden baton became slides for play people – and even a tool for catching termites!)

   

So the fact that two friends might fall out over something so mundane as a stick is plausible and relatable. Both friends see its potential - the problem is that they can’t agree on what that is!

 

“Look, a stick!”

“Let’s make a flag…”

“No, that’s my sword.”

How selfish!

   

Not only that, but Dot refuses Duck’s suggestion of sharing.

How Selfish is told almost entirely with snappy dialogue. This suits the story well, allowing the characters to exchange witty banter as they struggle to share with their playthings:

 

“Swap the flag for a rabbit?”

“That’s MY toy!”

“The flag for a game?”

“Give me back MY ball!”

How selfish!

   

Without Tallec’s expressive characters, this wouldn’t be possible. They deliberately tell far more of the story, making How Selfish! an excellent example of why picture books are such an effective medium. In a way, they’re like little movies. You don’t need constant narration to explain the story. Like good actors, the body language and expressions of well-drawn characters will do the work. And Dot and Duck capture the average day of a preschooler brilliantly!

 

“But I want the flag…”

“Too late. It’s gone.”

 

Duck resorts to playing the ace. It’s a phrase every kid knows, and it’s timed so perfectly with the page turn that I laughed out loud:

 

“I’m telling on you…”

   

Uh-oh! The fatal words stop Dot dead in their tracks. 

Desperate times mean desperate measures.

 

“No! Wait! Don’t tell!

I’ll share the toys…

Have ALL the toys! Have whatever you want!

But NOT the sword!”

 

Their bickering continues. Eventually, Duck appears to have won the battle by ending up with the prized stick. But wait a minute – now they’re using it as a sword to fend off Dot…

 

How…selfish…

 

Tallec’s illustrations convey the characters’ shared sadness and regret (and the bitter truth that nobody won).

Life without the other is boring and lonely. 

 

If only there was someone to play with…

   

Ultimately, Duck solves the problem by breaking the stick in two: SNAP!

Dot and Duck can now share the stick, which (in its divided state) can be both a flag AND a sword! It’s a compromise that solves the problem without merely resorting to taking turns. But like many kids, Dot and Duck are contrary creatures and appear to have changed their minds about what they want the stick to be! It’s a satisfying twist and they exchange sticks in a moment of harmony. (“A sword! How exciting!”/“A flag! How thoughtful!”). 

Finally, the friends can get down to the serious business of playing together:

 

“Dot and Duck forever!”

How fun!

   Learning to navigate childhood friendships is tricky. And picture books like How Selfish! are there to help.

Dot and Duck’s friendship is believable. They have their ups and downs, but their relationship is robust – and this picture book realistically reflects that.

(Other picture books that do this well – including the hilarious Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems – are listed at the end.)

There may be a lack of apologies in How Selfish! – but young readers are left with no doubt that being unkind and selfish hurts their friends. Instead, Dot and Duck model the benefits of kindness and compromise and reveal how sometimes boredom and loneliness can be countered by inviting someone into a game and sharing a toy. 

Dot and Duck’s friendship is believable. They have their ups and downs, but their relationship is robust and kids can relate to that. They quickly learn that friendships are complicated – the fact that this is reflected in the story will be reassuring. 

Perhaps most importantly, How Selfish! teaches children the value of kindness. If they can master that, they’ll go a long way in life!

Tips for sharing How Selfish!

Look at the expressive characters and discuss how they feel. By helping your child step into the characters’ shoes, you develop their empathy.

Teach your child problem-solving skills by brainstorming some other ways for Dot and Duck to share the stick (without resorting to snapping it in two).

Go on a walk, find some sticks and encourage some imaginative play!

STORIES WORTH SHARINGHow Selfish! by Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Olivier Tallec(Happy Yak, 2022)Good to Read for:Exploring friendshipLearning to shareThe funny charactersCopyright © 2022 Clare Helen Welsh (Text) & Olivier Tallec (Illustrations)From HOW SELFISH! by Clare Helen Welsh & Olivier Tallec(Happy Yak)Richard Scarry illustrations from The Busy, Busy World of Richard Scarry by Walter Retan / Ole Risom | © Richard Scarry CorporationSketches © 2002 Tim WarnesGOOD TO READBest picture books about the complexities of friendship

A Bedtime for Bear by Bonny Becker & Kady MacDonald Denton

Narwhal’s Otter Friend | A Narwhal and Jelly Book by Ben Clanton

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

The Boy With Flowers in his Hair by Jarvis

Sorry! by Norbert Landa & Tim Warnes

This Is Our House by Michael Rosen & Bob Graham

On Sudden Hill by Linda Sarah & Benji Davies

DANGEROUS! by Tim Warnes

I Love My New Toy! | An Elephant & Piggie Book by Mo Willems

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“[Kids] will love the snappy dialogue and humorous drawings”– The Telegraph
“My daughter…completely understood the emotions and significance…[B]rilliantly simple and easy for children to relate to.”– Amazon review buy uk buy us * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCESHow Selfish! by Clare Helen Welsh, illustrated by Olivier Tallec (Happy Yak, 2022)The Busy, Busy World of Richard Scarry by Walter Retan / Ole Risom (Harry N. Abrams 1997)Are you stuck for quality stories that you and your kids will enjoy? 

Sign up for your free weekly email with story recommendations and tips.

Sign up here © 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE

Bear books for big hugs with your kids

“I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! is a delightful read – a perfect reason to snuggle up on the couch for a little quality time with your child or grandchild.”

— Sheri Hoyte, Good ReadsI’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug! by Caroline B. Cooney, illustrated by Tim Warnes(Zonderkidz, 2016 & 2019)Good to Read for:playful interactionsnuggling up before bedaffirming your childAll parents want to feel connected to their kids.

We want our children to form deep attachments with us so they, in turn, can form deep attachments with others as they go through life. Meaning quality picture books are your go-to tool. My recommendations today have the added advantage of guaranteeing some loving hugs: I Want to Give You a Bear Hug! and its companion title, I Want to Give You a Polar Bear Hug! by Caroline B. Cooney, illustrated by myself (Zonderkidz, 2016 & 2019). 

I’m sometimes asked about the target range of my books. I think if a book engages someone, it’s suitable, whatever their age! (Regular readers of this blog will testify – picture books can have complex and nuanced messages waiting to be discovered under the surface!) 

   

The Bear Hug books are marketed for ages 0 – 8 years of age (they come as sturdy board books for the youngest readers, hardcover and e-book versions). So does it deliver to such a wide age range? Let’s hear from some customers:

“I read this book to my 11-month-old son daily and still haven’t gotten tired of it.”

– Ballegra (Amazon 5* review) 

(So that’s a happy parent, too!)

“My 19-month old grandson took to this book at the first reading and has been asking for it ever since. Best part: it provides an excuse for hugs on every page.”

– Amazon customer (Amazon 5* review)

(And a happy grandparent!)

If you need further convincing, check out this video of Baby Ted. It was sent a few years ago and shows him enjoying Bear Hug with his big sister (Ted’s favourite spread? Pig hug!) – and it still puts a smile on my face!

    

Well, that’s the babies catered for – what about the preschool crowd?

E. Klaffke’s 5* Amazon review has this to say:

“My 4 year old & 1 year old absolutely love this book! We have to read it every night before bed. The rhyming in this book is so fun! Watch out for the Bug Hug!”

 

I’m going to give you a bug hug.

A wiggly wriggly,

Makes you giggly,

Creepy crawly snug hug.

 

That spread (from Bear Hug) epitomises all that’s great about the books. They’re fun to read and enact – and encourage extra cuddles!

   

Riya Biswas’s 5* Good Reads review of Bear Hug backs my claim up. She says that, although she reads many books with her daughter, it’s not often they “can act silly and give each other lots and lots of hugs and laugh all the way to the last page of the book.” Hugging her daughter and seeing her smile, she says, “feels really nice… it helps us bond, [so] I would say it fulfilled one of [its] biggest purposes.”

   

But what about those older kids? Most children aged 8 will be on (or are transitioning to) chapter books. But as this review from See Mom Click shows – there’s still a place for ‘younger’ picture books when a big kid is looking for some close connection:

“My son is 8 and this is a pretty simple book for him, but on those nights when we just want a sweet little story to enjoy together, it’s perfect.”

(And don’t forget that picture books – particularly those with rhyming text – encourage independent reading by boosting developing readers’ confidence.)

As well as using them as hugging aids, the stories are great for encouraging imaginative play. Polar Bear Hug, in particular, provides ideal opportunities for your children to join in to practice their bunny hops, stand on their hands like a seal or dance like a penguin! 

   The Bear Hug books appeal to a wide age range because kids want to feel loved and connected.

These books present a priceless opportunity to facilitate that. ‘Reading this book to your little one at bedtime is sure to make them feel loved, safe and secure,’ writes Sally on GoodReads.

And let’s face it – bringing up kids is tough. They will try your patience and often leave you frazzled by bedtime. Perhaps that’s just the moment to pull out one of these books and enjoy some light-hearted giggles and loving cuddles.

It’s not just your children who benefit from loving hugs.

Sometimes even the most self-assured parent needs reassurance from their child that they are loved and doing a good job.

   Tips for sharing the Bear Hug books

Try asking your child what kind of hug they want, based on the ones described in the books and just go for it! Better still, take turns choosing a hugging style. (WARNING! Bug Hugs are particularly tickly!)

Join in with the child protagonist in Polar Bear Hug as they reenact the penguin dance, bunny hops, seal-stands and cardinal flight. Then chase the fox down the trail! (This works particularly well in group settings.)

In both stories, the child’s soft toys play a key part in their vivid imaginations. Chat with your kid and learn what kinds of hugs their cuddly toys like to give!

STORIES WORTH SHARINGI’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug!I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug! by Caroline B. Cooney, illustrated by Tim Warnes(Zonderkidz, 2016 & 2019)Good to Read for:playful interactionsnuggling up before bedaffirming your childCopyright © 2016/2019 Caroline B. Cooney (Text) & Tim Warnes (Illustrations)From I’M GOING TO GIVE YOU A BEAR HUG! & I’M GOING TO GIVE YOU A POLAR BEAR HUG! by Caroline B. Cooney & Tim Warnes (Zonderkidz)Customer image © @bedtime_books_with_bear_. Used by permission.GOOD TO READ

Best picture books for cosy hugs

Hug by Jez Alborough

I’m Not Sleepy! by Jane Chapman

I’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! by Caroline B. Cooney & Tim Warnes

I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug! by Caroline B. Cooney & Tim Warnes

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Tim Warnes

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney & Anita Jeram

Sam Vole and his Brothers by Martin Wadell & Barbara Firth

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   “Great to read to our two year old…we have fun giving him funny animal hugs while we do!”– Megan A, Amazon

“We have read this book from baby to toddler and still love it.”– Edi Jane White, Good Reads buy uk Currently unavailable on US Bookshop “A playful, charming story that encourages imagination and warms hearts.”– Somerset County Library, New Jersey USA

“A fun family read to show love and care.”– Pam, GoodReads Buy uK BUY US * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCESI’m Going to Give You a Bear Hug! by Caroline B. Cooney, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Zonderkidz, 2016)I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug! by Caroline B. Cooney, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Zonderkidz, 2019) I'm Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug! (goodreads.com) I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug! (goodreads.com) I'm Going to Give You a Bear Hug! (Amazon.co.uk, 5 September 2017) Sweet New Kids’ Book + Giveaway: I’m Going to Give You A Bear Hug! (seemomclick.com, 28 June 2017)Read Out Loud | I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU A BEAR HUG (KidLitTV, youtube.com, 13 February 2017) I’m Going to Give You a Polar Bear Hug by Caroline B. Cooney, illustrated by Tim Warnes (zondervan, youtube.com, 22 September 2020)Are you stuck for quality stories that you and your kids will enjoy? Sign up for your free weekly email with story recommendations and tips. Sign up here © 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE

Joyous fun with Anna Hibiscus!

Splash, Anna Hibiscus! by Atinuke, illustrated by Lauren Tobia(Walker Books, 2013)Good to Read for:its irresistible joychallenging stereotypical ideasdiversifying your child's bookshelfPicture books have many roles. 

They show kids how to be emotionally healthy. They entertain and can affirm. 

This week’s recommendation – Splash, Anna Hibiscus! by Atinuke and Lauren Tobia (Walker Books, 2013) –does two other things that are noteworthy in picture books:

It challenges preconceptions of life in Africa.

It depicts a biracial family.

Atinuke and Tobias's portrayal of Africa is striking. There’s not a mud hut, stretch of savannah or giraffe in sight. Instead, it reflects modern Africa (Atinuke was born and grew up in Nigeria). A cityscape – complete with colourful billboards, satellite dishes and fire escapes – spans the front endpapers and reaches right up to the seashore. A bus travels between the sky-rise buildings, and a jet passes overhead. 

The title page zooms in closer to a family travelling on a motorboat. In the middle of them all, smiling and waving at the reader, is the irrepressible Anna Hibiscus. No wonder she looks so happy – she’s on a family day trip to the beach! But it’s not any ordinary beach. Because

 

Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa.

Amazing Africa.

 

Splash, Anna Hibiscus! exudes joy. (Even the waves are described as laughing.) ‘The sun is hot. The sand is hot.’ In her beautiful illustrations, Tobias reflects the day’s heat using strong shadows and the clear blue sea.

‘Anna Hibiscus looks at the splashing waves.’ They look so inviting – and she’s desperate for someone to join her in the sea.

 

She wants to splash in the laughing waves.

And she wants to splash with somebody!

 

Unfortunately for Anna, everyone is busy doing their own thing and having fun: ‘Benz and Wonderful are playing football with the beach boys.’ The teenage girls are on their phones.

   

The authentic African names draw you in and lend a sense of credibility. In other words, this is a totally believable family on a day trip to the beach. But they’re not visiting any ordinary beach. It’s a tropical idyll, and everyone’s out to enjoy themselves! The grown-ups relax and catch up with each other. ‘Grandmother and Grandfather are reading their newspapers.’ The kids are playing and hanging out.

As with the picture book So Much, Atinuke uses a few colloquialisms that make reading this aloud fun. Here’s a lovely example from the boys playing football on the beach:

 

"Kick the ball!" shouts Benz.

" Wondaful girl, kick'am!" shouts Wonderful.

 

But Anna has her own idea of fun. She persistently goes from one family member to another, hoping someone will join her. The teenage girls are too busy with their phones. “We are too big now for playing,” says Clarity. It's a lovely scene showing the older cousins hanging out in an old truck tyre under a shady palm. Small birds peck among the foliage and a trail of leafcutter ants are hard at work. Meanwhile, Anna’s mother is busy plaiting Auntie Grace’s hair (who’s husking corn cobs for lunch). 

Now here’s a significant detail: Anna’s redheaded mother. She’s the only white face in the book (and it’s the only face to receive a liberal dollop of sun cream!). Like the character’s creator, Atinuke, Anna Hibiscus is mixed race. Picture books portraying such kids are uncommon but welcome – because all kids need to see themselves reflected in the books they read if they are to be affirmed. (Another effortless example is Mr Scruff by Simon James.)

Back to the story and Anna’s quest for someone to splash in the sea with. She waits a long time for Papa. ‘But the men don’t ever stop talking.’ As for her grandparents – well, they’re fast asleep in the shade of the boat!

 

Anna Hibiscus looks around.

There is nobody left to ask.

 

For a moment, Anna’s smile has left her. But this quiet, reflective moment doesn’t last long. The enticing waves are ‘jumping and splashing.’ They want to play with somebody.

And Anna is more than ready.

 

Splash!

The white waves splash Anna Hibiscus.

Oh! Anna Hibiscus splashes back.

Jump!

The white waves jump on Anna Hibiscus.

Oh! Anna Hibiscus jumps back.

Hee-hee!

The white waves laugh at Anna Hibiscus. 

Oh! Anna Hibiscus laughs back.

“Hee-hee!

Hee-hee! Hee-hee!”

   

It was a lovely touch to personify the waves, and Atinuke’s description of Anna’s interaction is perfect for young readers who will relish the repetition. Anna Hibiscus’s happiness bubbles up from inside her. It’s utterly contagious – and I defy anyone to keep a straight face in the presence of such a joyful character.

 

Hee-hee! Hee-hee! Hee-hee!

 

The sound of Anna’s laughter is irresistible. One by one, her family leave their activities to join the fun. “Wait for me!” Even the cool, older cousins:

 

“We are not that old,” says Clarity.

“We're not that busy,” says Common Sense.

“Phones are so boring,” says Joy. “Come on!”

 

Before you know it, the whole family are ‘all running down the hot yellow sand’ to splash and laugh together.

‘Only Anna and her…mother have actual bathing suits’, notes Kirkus Reviews. ‘[T]he others happily plunge in their street clothes. Everyone smiles; Anna is irresistible.’

It’s a beautiful moment of unity and love.

   

The story ends with Anna Hibiscus snuggling in her mother’s arms under the shady trees. Atinuke repeats her opening line: Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa. Amazing Africa.

To which she adds,

 

Anna Hibiscus is amazing too.

 

From the story’s setting to the unique names and detailed textiles, Anna Hibiscus celebrates Atinuke’s love of her African culture.

Perhaps most significantly, the story challenges stereotypical views of Africa and how children in modern Africa might live. And despite the differences between our own and developing countries, this story perfectly captures the truth that we are united by ‘our human joys and sorrows.’ [Booktrust] As the New York Times notes, ‘[t]hough the details of place are specific, family and surf are global pleasures’.

Tips for sharing Splash, Anna Hibiscus!

Use it to reflect on your own family. Discuss what each of you prefers to do at the beach and affirm that it's OK to enjoy different things.

The writer Atinuke was born and grew up in Nigeria. Help your child find it on a map and explain how it’s part of the larger continent of ‘amazing Africa’.

Suggest to your kids that Anna laughs because the waves tickle. Then see if you can elicit your own tickly giggles as Anna splashes in the sea.

STORIES WORTH SHARINGSplash, Anna Hibiscus! by Atinuke, illustrated by Lauren Tobia(Walker Books, 2013)Good to Read for:its irresistible joychallenging stereotypical ideasdiversifying your child's bookshelfCopyright © 2013 Atinuke (Text) & Lauren Tobia (Illustrations)From SPLASH, ANNA HIBISCUS! by Atinuke & Lauren TobiaReproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London, SE11 5HJCheck out the best-selling Anna Hibiscus series on Atinuke's website.GOOD TO READBest picture books to diversify your child's bookshelf

Splash, Anna Hibiscus! by Atinuke & Lauren Tobia

I Am the Subway by Kim Hyo-eun (translated by Deborah Smith)

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña & Christian Robinson

Only You Can Be You by Nathan & Sally Clarkson & Tim Warnes

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

Mr Scruff by Simon James

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  “my daughter joins in with the repetition as we read”– Storysnug

“sunshine in book form”– Zoe on GoodReads BUY UK Currently unavailable on US Bookshop.org* I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLES

SOURCES

Splash, Anna Hibiscus! by Atinuke, illustrated by Lauren Tobia (Walker Books, 2013) Splash, Anna Hibiscus! (booktrust.org.uk) Bookshelf: Africa, Atinuke’s Splash, Anna Hibiscus and More (The New York Times, 10 November 2013) Splash, Anna Hibiscus! by Atinuke & Lauren Tobia (Catherine Friess, storysnug.com, 31 January 2014) About Me (atinuke.co.uk)Splash, Anna Hibiscus From the Anna Hibiscus series (Kane Miller, kirkusreviews.com, 15 July 2013)Are you stuck for quality stories that you and your kids will enjoy? Sign up for your free weekly email with story recommendations and tips. sign up here © 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE

Helping kids grieve with ‘Goodbye Bear’

Goodbye Bear by Jane Chapman (Little Tiger Press, 2022)Good to Read for:the calm, comforting storychildren who are grievingexplaining loss and bereavementI frequently praise picture books for their role in developing children’s empathy. Simply put, they enable kids to step into the shoes of another, equipping them to see the world and experience feelings from someone else’s perspective. 

But picture books have another critical function in your child’s development – by helping them understand (and own) their own feelings.

Sometimes, these may be too complicated to articulate. For example, children experiencing grief and loss following the death of a beloved pet or grandparent. 

We may shy away from the subject of death (particularly by those of us in the West). But as last week’s funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II reminded us – one day, even the greatest among us shall die. It’s a sobering thought – but an inescapable fact. 

 

“From movies like The Lion King to real-world events, children may be confronted with death even before they have to deal with it on a personal level,” notes Dena McMurdie for Brightly. “It’s always a good idea to address the topic of death with your children before their first experience with it.”

[  7 Beautiful Picture Books to Help Kids Understand Death ] 

Death is not the only reason for children to experience loss and grief. Such feelings may result from various situations, including:

Moving home (or a friend moving away).

A family break-up.

Even a precious toy that becomes lost.

‘Expressing grief is healthy, and attempts to avoid these feelings can cause problems in the future,’ notes Child Bereavement UK in How We Grieve.

So how on Earth do we address this sensitive area with young children? The good news is that picture books are there to help!

A charming and compelling example is the boldly illustrated, The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr, in which the narrator (a goldfish) addresses the reader directly. It’s open to interpretation – so it easily applies to any situation that causes feelings of loss and sadness. In this sense, it sits well with The Snowman by Raymond Briggs (although it couldn’t be further removed visually). 

   

Another famous example of a picture book about grief (following the death of its protagonist) is Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley. It and The Snowman have been around for decades – a testament to their quality and enduring appeal. Over the years, Badger’s Parting Gifts, in particular, has helped countless grieving families to open up and share their feelings. (The 35th anniversary edition even includes a guide from Child Bereavement UK, with suggestions on how to use the book and help children understand grief.)

Now a newly published picture book is set to follow in their wake (no pun intended): Goodbye Bear by Jane Chapman.

Goodbye Bear by Jane Chapman (Little Tiger Press, 2022) is a moving story about grief and loss that kids will find comforting.

From the start, it gently tackles the sensitive subject of death head-on right with the opening lines:

 

Bear died on a Friday, while sunlight speckled the grass…

and caterpillars nibbled on leaves in the forest.

 

It’s notable that Bear isn’t depicted in the illustration - neither here nor anywhere else in the book. (This makes Goodbye Bear unique among my personal recommendations of picture books about grief and loss.) Instead, Chapman allows Bear’s grieving friends to paint a vivid picture of him as they reminisce. Combined with incidental details that depict a few of Bear’s belongings – a sun hat and tools, for example – his character shines through.

Goodbye Bear is as much about the grieving friends who are left behind. The focus is on two in particular – Beaver and Mole ‘who found it hard to understand that Bear was gone.’ And as with anyone experiencing a bereavement, they feel a whole array of emotions:

Confusion: “I keep hearing his voice…and run outside but there’s no one there.”

Sadness: Sometimes they cried.

Regret: “I have so many things I want to tell him,” said Mole.

Anger: “Sometimes I feel very cross because Bear dies. How could he leave us?” And Beaver screwed up his paper crown and threw it on the fire.

Sometimes, the friends feel numb and ‘just [sit] in silence.’

Time passes, and the seasons change. Gradually, Beaver and Mole realise that Bear wouldn’t want them to be sad. Come spring, they decide to revisit Bear’s treehouse. “The woods will be full of snowdrops. Bear loved snowdrops.”

   

Chapman’s text is gentle, and the dialogue feels authentic. I love the moment when the two friends reach the treehouse:

 

“Do you think Bear would mind if we went in?” whispered Beaver.

Mole thought about Bear’s kindly face.

“Bear loved us,” she said, “and he wouldn’t mind in the slightest.”

“Quite right,” agreed Beaver, offering Mole a paw.

   

Once inside, they become quite animated as they are reminded of Bear. So they decide to finish his treehouse and enlist the help of their friends.

 

Hammering and sawing rang through the forest.

“I thought I heard Bear again!” chuckled Rabbit, hopping up.

“What a racket!”

 

As they build, they chat about Bear, reflecting honestly about the departed. Their reminiscences help ease their sadness and add gentle humour to the proceedings.

 

“I remember when he rescued you from the pond!” giggled Mouse.

“And how his endless whistling got on my nerves!” shouted Rabbit.

 

Building the treehouse allows Bear’s friends the opportunity to grieve while honouring his memory. In doing so, they learn to cope with the loss and discover something precious - Hope and Joy. It’s not expressly written – but it emanates from the characters’ expressions and body language. They are moving through the grieving process – looking forward to the future while remembering the past. 

Child Bereavement UK points out that ‘grieving is not about forgetting the person who has died but about finding ways to remember them.’ They suggest creating something in memory of the deceased (for example, a painting or poem) or making a memory box to put trinkets and reminders in.

Bear’s friends effectively tick both boxes by completing his treehouse. While doing so, they find it already contains things that remind them of him – a little stool intended for Mole and Bear’s painting of the Great Bear constellation, which they hang on the wall.

   

Once the treehouse is finished, Bear’s friends share cake and stories.

Then, when it was dark, Beaver lit the lanterns so that no one would be scared.

Just like Bear used to do.

 

And when they open the shutters onto the night sky, they discover something else to shine light onto Bear’s memory: The Great Bear constellation: ‘shining bright, forever and always. Just like the memories of their dear friend Bear.’

Chapman hopes Goodbye Bear “will be a useful book for parents and carers to encourage young children to process their own experiences of loss.” For that reason, joyful picture books like this are welcomed. Because they’re about more than death. They are a celebration of life and a testament to the power of community and friendship – particularly in times of sadness.

   Tips for sharing Goodbye Bear

The story tackles mortality with gentle humour and compassion. This makes it ideal for sharing with young children even before they experience death firsthand.

Children may experience loss and grief for various reasons, including moving away from friends or family break-ups. Goodbye Bear helps you open up conversation and the child deal with Big Emotions. ‘Expressing grief is healthy, and attempts to avoid these feelings can cause problems in the future.’ [Child Bereavement UK]

Read it with a child who has lost a loved one. Reminisce and share happy memories. Perhaps ask, “Which character where they most like?”

STORIES WORTH SHARINGGoodbye Bear by Jane Chapman (Little Tiger Press, 2022)Good to Read for:the calm, gentle storychildren who are grievingexplaining loss and bereavementCopyright © 2022 Jane Chapman (Text & Illustrations)From GOODBYE BEAR by Jane Chapman(Little Tiger Press)Illustration from The Goodbye Book © 2016 by Todd ParrIllustration from Badger’s Parting Gifts © 1984 by Susan VarleyGOOD TO READBest picture books about grief and loss 

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Granpa by John Burningham

Goodbye Bear by Jane Chapman

Grandad’s Island by Benji Davies

The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers

The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr

Famous Fred by Posy Simmonds

Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley

The Tide by Clare Helen Welsh & Ashling Lindsay

Find further recommendations at Booktrust.

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“[A] wonderful story to read together as a family.”– Red Reading Hub“Perfect for young children dealing with big emotions.”– Books Up North  Buy UK Buy USA * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCES 7 Beautiful Picture Books to Help Kids Understand Death (Dena McMurdie, readbrightly.com)How we grieve (childbereavementuk.org) Remembering someone who has died (childbereavementuk.org) Goodbye Bear (Jill Bennett, 25 March 2022)Kid’s Book Review: Goodbye Bear (Sarah Tyson, booksupnorth.com, 14 March 2022) Goodbye Bear (janekchapman.com)Are you stuck for quality stories that you and your kids will enjoy? Sign up for your free weekly email with story recommendations and tips. Sign up here © 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE

‘Mina’ will have kids on the edge of their seats

Mina by Matthew Forsythe(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022)Good to Read for:its dark humourthe exciting storya dramatic storytimeMina by Matthew Forsythe (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022) is one of those books that captivated me when I spotted it in a bookstore. And it’s a picture book that will keep kids on the edge of their seats.

I read it and laughed and enjoyed the experience of being immersed in a story that’s told through words and pictures. Forsythe’s warm, pastel-coloured illustrations (rendered in watercolour, gouache and coloured pencil) have a geometric feel that brings to mind the work of Paul Klee.

The protagonist, Mina, is a bookish mouse who lives alone with her father (which is noteworthy in picture books). I think it would be fair to see she’s an introvert. She’s shown reading most of the time. Or lying on her belly, drawing. (She’s a character I would have easily identified with as a child.) As the introduction tells us:

 

Mina lived in her own little world where nothing ever bothered her.

Except for one thing.

 

That ‘one thing’ is not yet shown. Young readers are left guessing what it might be for several pages. Even when the answer is revealed, it’s shrouded in uncertainty. Intrigued? Your kids will be, too…

Mina’s eccentric father ‘was always bringing home surprises from the outside world.’ 

An old tin can.

A ball of yarn.

Antique art (old postage stamps). 

Even a ‘band of musicians he met in the woods.’

   

They’re quirky details that bring the story alive. (Forsythe based Father mouse on his father: “He would bring home crazy things, usually marvelous but sometimes risky. He wanted to do industrial-level testing in our apartment. I remember thinking, “This is dangerous.”)

But to Mina, it’s everyday stuff that she’s used to. ‘She barely noticed any of those things.’

 

But one day her father came home and said, “Mina! Come outside. I have a really big surprise for you!”

And that’s when she started to worry.

 

This is a great place to stop and connect with your kid. Ask them for ideas as to what his surprise could be. It’s a brilliant page turn that will make kids sit up and notice

 

“It’s a squirrel!” [her father] said.

   

It’s such a deadpan (and unexpected) moment. Mina’s father is so pleased with his surprise – a massive cat that fills the page. It’s the one thing that Mina’s really bothered about. The cat sits and stares with unclear intentions. “I don’t think that’s a squirrel,” said Mina.

On the following page, the cat appears to have a slight smile as Mina’s father reasons, “…Squirrels are bigger than mice and have long bushy tails!”

It’s apparent to kids that this is a cat. Yet Father mouse is reassuringly confident. The effect is slightly unsettling and undermines that certainty – Could this be a squirrel? As the story gathers momentum, Forsythe uses this to his advantage to create suspense and humour. 

As with all good picture books, the story is nuanced and often told through the illustrations alone. For example, when the written narrative tells us that Mina couldn’t sleep – “There’s nothing to worry about,” said her father – the illustration depicts a whole other reality. Mina is sitting in bed, eyes wide in horror. Her father lies alongside her in his bed. Immediately behind the mice looms their bushy-tailed ‘squirrel’. 

And this time, it’s definitely smiling.

   

Despite the warm tones of the bedside scene, it has intentionally ominous overtones, enhanced by the darkness on the right-hand side that swallows up the cat. The suspense is building, drawing the reader further into the story. 

Father mouse attempts to reassure Mina by recounting a previous surprise that he brought home once.

 

“Remember the time I brought home those stick insects and you taught them to read. That was so much fun.

…

Now go to sleep.

Everything will be fine.

You’ll see.”

 

Mina eyeballs the cat, who grins back, slant-eyed. Observant kids will notice that the cat’s claws are now extended. Uh-oh.

There’s a delicate balance, I feel, in building suspense in a picture book without making it scary. I was a sensitive child (as were my own kids). Neither enjoyed Sendak’s beloved, Where the Wild Things Are, and they found Dr Seuss’s illustrations creepy. Forsythe exercises style and grace, striking the right balance by off-setting the darkness with light humour. A charming example would be the illustration showing Mina’s father knitting a sweater for their ‘squirrel’. In the following image, his creation adorns the cat as the mice ride it, like mahouts on an Indian elephant through a jungle of flowers. 

   

However, all is not well. Mina’s father worries that something’s wrong with their ‘squirrel’.

He’s not eating. 

Do you think he’s lonely?

Mina replies, “Perhaps…. But whatever you do, don’t bring home any more surprises.”

 

But the next day…

He brought home two more surprises.

    

Father remains oblivious to the increasing danger he’s putting them in – but Mina’s wide eye speaks volumes. By now, confident kids will be shouting, “That’s not a squirrel!” which stare, somewhat baffled, at the acorns they’ve been given to eat! So Father calls the doctor for help.

 

“Oh, I see the problem,” said the doctor.

“The problem is that these squirrels are definitely cats.”

 

Once the ruse is up, the cats leap into action. It comes almost as a relief. Now young readers know for sure that these are definitely not squirrels – and the tension is finally broken.

 

[T]he cats chased Mina and her father and the doctor into the woods.

And over the pond.

And up a tree.

   

Mina may be quiet. But she’s also brave. Armed with nothing more than a twig, she turns to face their pursuers.

 

“Stop!

“We shared our home with you!

Our food! Our toothpaste!

“And this is how you repay us?

By trying to eat us?”

 

Kids will feel aligned with Mina’s sense of indignation, while the cats reply with a dry, “Yes.”

 

And they were about to eat the mice when the strangest thing happened.

 

For once, I won’t give a spoiler. Suffice it to say those stick insects come into their own, and the mice survive another day. 

 

“I told you everything would be fine,” whispered Mina’s father.

And even though she rolled her little eyes, Mina had to admit that, for once

he was right.

 Some reader reviews criticise Mina for the father’s dubious character, highlighting him as (at best) irresponsible and (at worse) a gaslighter.

In contrast, I was hit by the story’s humour, surprise, and suspense. Mina’s father may be flawed. But to me, he comes across as warm, eccentric and caring. He feels genuine, not two-dimensional. If it wasn’t for him ‘bringing home surprises from the outside world’, this would be a dull story about an introverted mouse. I stand by Forsythe’s remark, given in an interview with Publishers Weekly, where he laments: “Something I see a lot in picture books is Very Fine Parents. They’re well represented. And parents are not always ideal.” 

If there’s a lesson to be learnt here, then it’s ambiguous. Which is no bad thing. Because Life is messy. Things aren’t always cut and dried. Sometimes two opposing positions can both be true. Ambiguity abounds. Mina encapsulates this effortlessly – and in doing so, opens up all sorts of interesting discussions with kids (one-on-one or in a group setting).

 

“Kids don’t understand that we all move through life not understanding things around us. Learning how to live is learning how to be at ease with that idea, that we don’t know, and that’s OK. We’re all always kind of floating in that uncertainty. There’s a magic and a mystery to understanding that.”

– Matthew Forsythe (Publishers Weekly Q & A) 

We all have our own quirks, interests, and flaws. That’s what makes us unique.

More importantly, adults don’t always have the answers.

Sometimes, the kid is right.

I think it’s fair to say that Mina brings a thrill to storytime by tapping into a primal fear – that there’s Something Out There. By presenting it with a spoonful of humour, Forsythe does so without crossing the line into the realm of nightmares (unlike many pretty horrific fairy tales!). Mina’s naive father keeps the danger on the right side of silly, so not only will you get to share a laugh with your kids – you may even get an extra big snuggle! 

 Tips for sharing Mina

The natural speech and deadpan writing make Mina a joy to read aloud – so have fun playing around with character voices and those dramatic pauses!

Don’t rush through the story – it will undermine the suspense. Mina’s well-crafted page turns are designed to build up the tension. So take a moment to pause and ask your child what they think might happen next…

On subsequent readings, encourage your child to ‘read’ the illustrations and discover little details (for example, the tin-can telephone and the doctor’s wooden leg.) Doing so will add layers and meanings to the story and supports your child’s visual literacy.

STORIES WORTH SHARINGMina by Matthew Forsythe(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022)Good to Read for:its dark humourthe exciting storya dramatic storytimeCopyright © 2022 Matthew Forsythe From Mina by Matthew Forsythe(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022)GOOD TO READBest picture books with a frisson of danger

Captain Flinn and the Pirate Dinosaurs by Giles Andreae & Russell Ayto

Mina by Matthew Forsythe

I Want My Hat Back by John Klassen

This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell & Patrick Benson

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman

DANGEROUS! by Tim Warnes

BUY THE BOOKPowered by Bookshop.orgSupporting independent bookshops   “Ripe for discussion with kids”– Emily, GoodReads“Captivating”– Kirkus Reviews buy us buy uk * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESAre you stuck for quality stories that you and your kids will enjoy? Sign up for your free weekly email with story recommendations and tips. sign up here © 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE