Tim Warnes's Blog: My Life in Books, page 6

The Midnight Fair

“Is there any emotion better than wonder? If there is, I can’t find it….”

— Gideon StererThe Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio(Walker Books, 2020)Good to Read for:visual literacydeveloping storytelling skillsits magic and wonderSince childhood, author Gideon Sterer has been fascinated by those places “where human civilization bumps up against the natural world…. The edge of a cornfield against the woods. A shed overtaken by vines. An old stone staircase disappeared by time.” [Interview with Picture Book Party]

And for that, I’m thankful. Because out of that curious fascination came the most fantastic picture book, The Midnight Fair.

I’m unsure how the collaboration between the writer and illustrator works on a wordless picture book. But that’s what The Midnight Fair is – a story told entirely through fantastic illustrations by Mariachiara Di Giorgino. 

As with many wordless picture books, The Midnight Fair unfolds over a sequence of panels that recall comics/graphic novels. The fact that it is told without words is a great leveller: Pre-readers may be unable to handle the written word, but that doesn’t disqualify them as storytellers. And there’s plenty of detail in the visually stimulating Midnight Fair to spark the imagination. (The wordless nature of the story can also be considered an extension of the ‘silent spreads’ you sometimes find in picture books (for example, Where the Wild Things Are).)

The Midnight Fair begins on the endpapers as the fairground trucks arrive to set up in a woodland clearing. The reader is treated as one of the animal observers – hidden in the shadowy sidelines at the margins where man meets beast. Watching the kaleidoscopic display between silhouetted leaves.

“Once a year, like so many rural places in the United States, a County Fair came to town,” recalls Sterer. “I remember always wondering as a kid what the animals thought about this disruption.”

As the last visitors leave and the noise and neon lights give way to quiet darkness, the animals venture out from the shadows to investigate the sleeping fairground. It’s a spine-tingling moment as the animals cautiously approach, their eyes aglow.

Were it not for a pair of enterprising racoons, this might have been a different story. Fortunately for readers, the racoons have the bravado to sneak through a hole in the fence. Working as a team, they plunge the power switch down. The lights come on – and the Midnight Fair is officially open for (animal) visitors.

There are so many details to pour over in Di Giorgio's illustrations. Her ability to capture light, atmosphere and movement is breathtaking, and she truly conjures the sights, sounds and smells of a fair. All you’d expect to see at a traditional fair is there – from the snack stands selling popcorn and cotton candy to rides such as a ghost train, a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster. (I can’t help but think of Wilbur the pig’s trip to the state fair in Charlotte’s Web.)

Di Giorgio used to work as a storyboard artist, and it shows. Using unusual perspectives, she creates a cinematic feel to the reading experience. ‘Di Giorgio creates the sense that viewers are part of the crowd,’ writes Publishers Weekly, ‘and bathes every spread in brilliant, theatrical light.’

The Midnight Fair is ethereal and ‘utterly convincing’. [Kirkus Reviews] This is partly due to Di Giorgio’s treatment of the animals who staff the rides and the fairground booths. A precariously perched, gangly fawn rides the carousel. Elsewhere, a hedgehog trundles through a forest of hoofed legs with sweets (candy) stuck to its spines. They are anthropomorphic but remain true to their natural selves – even using forest currency of acorns, rocks and berries to pay for the evening. It’s a lovely touch that adds further credibility to the proceedings.

‘As the night goes on,’ notes the Wall Street Journal, ‘the illustrations take on the delirious, slightly queasy-making quality of a real night at the fair. Lights blur, faces slacken, everything seems to spin.’

There are a few storylines to follow through the panelled illustrations – giving your child the opportunity to practice their storytelling skills. Notably a pair of bears ladened with an oversized prize teddy bear and a young wolf who wins a goldfish at a hoopla stall. (The pair can be spotted elsewhere, for example on the carousel and teacup rides.) Like the wolf, my first foray into keeping goldfish was after winning one at a fair. The fish looked dazzling, hanging in bags of water that reflected the brightly coloured lights. I was staying at my nan’s, and Fred (as I named it) was kept in a washing-up bowl for a short while. That was about 45 years ago. Nowadays, using living creatures for prizes is outdated and unpalatable.

Unsurprisingly, then, this particular story thread has received complaints. But The Midnight Fair is pure fantasy. We should give kids credit for being able to enjoy a storyline while holding the truth that treating goldfish in this way is unkind.

As with all good things, the Midnight Fair must end. Owls alight and signal that dawn is breaking. Di Giorgio alternates panels depicting the last of the animals’ activities (grabbing one last ride and clearing up their litter) with a parallel storyline: the fairground manager has woken and is heading their way.

This clever interplay between two realities creates a mounting tension as the animals scurry back into the woods with their loot, leaving cash buckets overflowing with berries and leaves for the manager to find on arrival.

Incidentally, you’d be forgiven for expecting the wolf to snack on the goldfish – especially when he’s shown tearing the bag with his teeth at the end of the story. But instead of becoming a tasty morsel for the wolf, it releases the fish into a serene lake shrouded by dawn mists. It’s a calm, inspiring moment. Nevertheless, it has incited further criticism of the story since releasing domestic creatures into the wild is a Bad Idea (and indeed, illegal in many countries, including the UK).

But it’s a wonderfully calm moment to end the excitement of the Midnight Fair on.

 Tips for sharing The Midnight Fair

Spend time on your first visit to the Midnight Fair just going through the fantastic illustrations and enjoy picking out little details.

Take turns with your child to tell the story by looking at the pictures. Wordless stories like this are empowering – there are no rights or wrongs!

Encourage your child to add more detail to their story by asking “W” questions: Who? Where? Why? When? (Not only is this a great moment for connection – but it also develops your child’s language and literacy skills.)

(Find more tips on sharing wordless picture books at Reading Rockets.)

STORIES WORTH SHARINGThe Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio(Walker Books, 2020)Good to Read for:visual literacydeveloping storytelling skillsits magic and wonderCopyright © 2020 Gideon Sterer (Story) & Mariachiara Di Giorgio (Illustrations)From THE MIDNIGHT FAIR by Gideon Sterer & Mariachiara Di GiorgioReproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London, SE11 5HJGOOD TO READWordless picture books

Clown by Quentin Blake

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

Fox’s Garden by Princesse Camcam

Hike by Pete Oswald

The Chicken Thief by Béatrice Rodriguez

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“Wordless and wondrous.”

– The Horn Book

“True enchantment for children.”

– Wall Street Journal

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www.timwarnes.com/blog/2019/5/9/a-les...

www.timwarnes.com/blog/2019/11/27/some-book

Www.timwarnes.com/blog/2020/10/2/foxs-garden-and-the-power-of-silence

SOURCESThe Midnight Fair by Gideon Sterer, illustrated by Mariachiara Di Giorgio (Walker Books, 2020)Gideon Sterer on Encouraging Kids to Find Wonder in Nature (readbrightly.com)The Midnight Fair – Guest Author Post by Gideon Sterer (Picture Book Party blog)The Midnight Fair review ( Publishers Weekly )The Midnight Fair review ( Kirkus )The Midnight Fair review ( Wall Street Journal )Sharing Wordless Picture Books by Reading Rockets© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD-PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.

Big feelings (little kids)

On Sudden Hill by Linda Sarah, illustrated by Benji Davies(US title: Big Friends)(Simon & Schuster, 2014)Good to Read for:exploring emotionsteaching empathyinspiring creative playWhen I was a kid, there were just three channels on TV. (Back then, no one had a video player, let alone on-demand movies!)

The kid’s programming schedule consisted of an hour at lunchtime, a few hours after school and on Saturday morning, and a few hours each morning during school holidays. Creative play was the norm – I drew, looked for bugs and re-enacted key scenes from the 1960s re-runs of Batman (“To the Batcave!”). We made dens and ticked off birds in my Spotter’s Guide. I drew some more. And every once in a while, a massive cardboard box – the stuff of dreams – would appear! 

I remember my neighbours once had an enormous one after their fridge-freezer delivery. By the time I went round to play, it had been transformed into a French cat detective agency with cutaway windows and spy holes! Later, it was repurposed and laid on its side to become some kind of intergalactic spacecraft!

On Sudden Hill by Linda Sarah and Benji Davies reminds me of those carefree childhood days. The activities depicted lend the book an almost overwhelming sense of nostalgia: Fishing for frogs. Making paper aeroplanes. Role-playing outside with enormous cardboard boxes… (That feeling of nostalgia has led a couple of online reviews to liken the book to Calvin & Hobbes and the movie, Stand By Me. (Both of which, I love))

   

On Sudden Hill centres around two besties – the wonderfully named Etho and Birt. Each day, they carry their giant cardboard boxes up Sudden Hill to play, hang out, and generally laugh.

 

Sometimes they’re kings,

soldiers, astronauts.

Sometimes they’re pirates 

sailing wild seas and skies.

But always, always 

they’re Big friends.

 

(‘Big friends’, incidentally, is the title of the US edition.)

   

That feeling of nostalgia, though, is mainly down to the illustrations. Davies’ beautiful landscapes evoke late-summer: spent grasses, long shadows, and a slight chill in the air that necessitates a hat or hoodie. Gathering swallows grab the last of the summer midges before leaving for Africa. It leaves my heart longing for those never-ending childhood summers spent busily doing nothing. 

   

Life, though, is in a constant state of flux. Seasons and friendships (even Birt and Etho’s) ebb and flow:

 

And then one Monday 

(It’s cramping cold)

They meet another box-carrier who wants to join them.

 

Enter a third boy, Shu. After days of watching them play, Shu finally finds ‘a big enough box and courage to ask if he can play too.’

The following spread beautifully demonstrates the magic of picture books: When done successfully, words and pictures work together to create something bigger than themselves. By itself, Sarah’s text seems upbeat:

 

Etho smiles and says, “Sure!”

And so the three sit in their boxes, 

watch one kestrel 

and two lost clouds.

 

But the illustration adds more detail that expands our understanding of the narrative. Davies’ charming characterisation speaks volumes. Children don’t need a wordy explanation to read Birt’s emotions. He sits alone in one box, facing away from the other boys (whose own boxes are shoved close together).  The ‘lost clouds’ aren’t the white and fluffy clouds of high summer. Heavy and grey, they bring a change to the weather that reflects Birt’s feelings. Unlike the adaptable Etho (who has a positive outlook on life (a ‘Yes Brain’) and warmly welcomes the newcomer, Shu), Birt immediately misses ‘their two-by-two rhythm.’ The dynamic has changed.

   

Life (seemingly) goes on as before. The imaginative games of ‘dragon-slayers’ and ‘skyscrape dancers’ continue. But again, the illustration tells so much more. Birt is isolated from the action and is pictured absent-mindedly scratching in the dirt with a stick, wistfully watching Etho and Shu having fun without him. The text (‘Birt feels strange’) leaves ample room for children to explore what might be going on.

Birt’s swirling emotions soon come to a head (I like how Sarah’s short phrasing echoes Birt’s sudden actions):

 

One night,

Birt smashes his box,

stamps on it,

rips it to bits.

 

The Book Bag’s review of On Sudden Hill welcomes Birt’s emotional outburst as a refreshing change. (I explore the theme of anger in picture books here.) They write:

I was particularly impressed that the author allowed this hurt little boy to show anger rather than just sadness. Children need to learn that anger can be an understandable reaction to some of life’s trials and tribulations and this aspect is sensitively handled. 

– http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/On_Sudden_Hill_by_Linda_Sarah_and_Benji_Davies_(Illustrator)

Birt becomes increasingly withdrawn. He ‘stops going up Sudden Hill’ and avoids Etho and Shu – even when they call round. Hurt and sad, Birt retreats into himself. 

 

But [Birt] misses Etho.

He misses their cardboard castles on Sudden Hill.

 

Fortunately, Etho knows what to do. But significantly, it’s newcomer Shu’s voice that calls,

 

“We made you something. Please come out!”

 

Outside is a box. Actually, ‘it’s much, much more than a box.’

Birt rushes out to admire the enormous cardboard creation, complete with flags and ‘WHEELS!’

 

The HUGE box-on-wheels

(that they call Mr ClimbFierce)

is hauled up Sudden Hill.

It’s amazing!

An incredible Monster Creature Box Thing!

   

The fantastical, multi-purpose contraption unites the three boys in play. Birt and Etho’s ‘two-by-two rhythm’ naturally becomes a ‘three-by-three’ one. Birt loves it – and I love the final, upbeat scenes that show the three friends playing until the sun sets.

   Life changes for a multitude of reasons. Those who have adaptable mindsets can weather that change successfully.

The best way to build that mindset is to nurture your child using quality picture books like On Sudden Hill. Use them to explore complex emotions and develop understanding and empathy for themselves and others. Kids are reassured to see themselves reflected in characters. They help them articulate feelings they may not have the words for (or fully understand) and learn how to resolve their feelings from the characters’ actions. In this sense, On Sudden Hill acts as a mirror.

On the flip side, this story acts as a window for children to see into the life of others.

To feel what they feel.

In other words, On Sudden Hill will strengthen your child’s sense of empathy and help create an adaptable outlook. So when life changes – and it will – they’ll be able to join Birt, Etho and Shu in saying,

 

It’s new.

And it’s good.

  Tips for sharing On Sudden Hill

Spend time discussing the illustrations. Use open-ended questions to explore how they make your child feel. (For example, I wonder what Birt’s thinking here? Or, Which of these characters would you like to be and why?)

The ‘incredible Monster Creature Box Thing’ is inspiring! Have fun thinking up names for it. (The boys call it ‘Mr ClimbFierce.’)

Find some massive cardboard boxes and give your kids free reign to create something extraordinary and build their own fantasy. (This works particularly well in small groups and can be a real ice-breaker.)

STORIES WORTH SHARINGOn Sudden Hill by Linda Sarah, illustrated by Benji Davies(Simon & Schuster, 2014)Good to Read for:exploring emotionsteaching empathyinspiring creative playCopyright © 2014 Linda Sarah (Text) & Benji Davies (Illustrations)From ON SUDDEN HILL by Linda Sarah & Benji Davies(Simon & Schuster, 2014)GOOD TO READ

Picture books for navigating the complexities of friendship

A Bedtime for Bear by Bonny Becker & Kady MacDonald Denton

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

Sorry! by Norbert Landa & Tim Warnes

Amanda & Her Alligator! by Mo Willems

Watch Me Throw the Ball! An Elephant & Piggie Book by Mo Willems

BUY THE BOOK

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“No end to the number of talking points … around inclusion/exclusion, friendship and loss.”

– Two in a Tepee

“Explores themes of friendship and sharing in a way that is relevant to its intended pre-school audience.”

– Starling Agency

buy uk buy us * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCESOn Sudden Hill by Linda Sarah, illustrated by Benji Davies (Simon & Schuster, 2014) On Sudden Hill by Linda Sarah and Benji Davies (thebookbag.co.uk)© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.

I love this book SO MUCH!

SO MUCH by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury(Walker Books, 1994)Good to Read for:its gentle humourpositive male role modelsdiversifying your child’s bookshelfLast week in the U.K., Raheem Bailey (aged 11) was attacked by a gang of bullies. To escape, he scaled a fence but caught his finger. It was a horrific accident.

Unfortunately, doctors could not save Raheem’s finger, and after six hours of surgery, it was amputated.

Raheem’s mother alleges the attack was racially motivated. (The perpetrators were pupils at the same school.) If, as a society, we wish this kind of behaviour to stop, then we have to educate our children. The most effective way to do that is right from the start, during their foundational years. And picture books are essential. 

Here’s why:

Children are affirmed by seeing characters who look (or behave) like themselves in stories.

Picture books develop empathy for others by allowing the reader to step into someone else’s shoes and experience life from another perspective.

‘Growing tearful, Raheem’s mother said: “It is difficult, as a mum, having to tell your child that people might not like you because of your skin - not because you’re mean, not because you’re horrible, but just because of the skin he was born into.”’

In honour of Raheem, my recommendation this week is SO MUCH by Trish Cooke and Helen Oxenbury. It’s a personal favourite that I hope you will share with your kids (whatever colour skin you may have).

Here’s how the story begins:

 

They weren’t doing anything,

Mum and the baby,

nothing really…

Then,

DING DONG!

 

I like how the baby is never named. It’s not that the baby is unimportant - it’s practically a term of endearment. This baby is undoubtedly loved and adored – as demonstrated by the first visitor, Auntie Bibba.

 

Auntie Bibba came inside with her 

arms out wide, wide, wide

and one big, big smile.

“Oooooooh!” she said.

“I want to squeeze him,

I want to squeeze the baby,

I want to squeeze him SO MUCH!”

 

The initial refrain builds throughout the book: with each doorbell chime comes another family member. (A teacher reviewing SO MUCH on GoodReads notes that kids love shouting out, ‘DING-DONG!’ (and anticipate when this will happen.) Like Auntie Bibba, each visitor lavishes their attention on the baby because they love him (you guessed it!) SO MUCH!

I love Cooke’s use of language - rhythmic and lilting, like someone chatting. This is partly due to Cooke drawing on her Caribbean roots to ‘capture the cadence of an Afro-Caribbean family’ [Booktrust]. 

For example:

 

Nannie and Gran-Gran came inside 

with their handbags cock up

to one side and their brolly hook up

on their sleeve.

“Yoooooo hoooooo!

Yoooooo hoooooo!” they said.

   

Publishers Weekly thought Cooke’s use of patois ‘may prove to be a slight stumbling block for some.’ True, the grammar in SO MUCH breaks the rules of standard English. But that unique aspect is something to celebrate. (“This would have been so nice for me when I was at school, as my mother is from Jamaica, and I never really felt that this was something that could be celebrated, or even acknowledged,” writes one GoodReads reviewer.) I got a huge kick out of sharing it with my (white, middle-class) kids. Fun – and easy – to read aloud, SO MUCH was a firm family favourite that we read multiple times over the years. (No surprise, then, that SO MUCH celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019.) 

(Revisiting SO MUCH now, I realise that it also brings back happy childhood memories of my dad reading tales of Brer Rabbit:

 

Then old Brer Rabbit he laugh, he did, and up and respond, ‘If I’d known you was after [hard sense], Brer Fox, I’d have lent you some of mine,’ says he.

 

For me, part of the appeal of the tales was the way the characters (including the narrator behind the stories, Uncle Remus) spoke.)

But I digress! Let’s go back to that happy household! Aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandmas all stop by and shower the baby in love. The interactions are believable, fun and tender.

Suddenly…

 

DING DONG!

“I’m home!” 

and everybody stopped. 

Mum picked the baby up 

and they all waited by the door…

“SURPRISE!” everybody said, 

and Mum said, 

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!”

and everybody joined in.

 

Daddy is home from the office – and it really does come as a surprise! An overriding sense of joy and love emanates from Oxenbury’s pictures. As Daddy grins and dances with the baby in his arms, the party atmosphere (expressed through the illustrations alone) is palpable. And one thing’s for sure – they all love Daddy SO MUCH!

   

Oxenbury’s characterisation is, as always, exceptional. Her detailed drawings create believable scenes and add additional layers to the story. Brightly coloured, full-page illustrations burst with energy. These contrast with monochromatic, quieter scenes which show the family sitting about doing nothing and waiting. (The story is further embellished with endearing black and white pencil drawings of the baby.)

For me, a stand-out feature of SO MUCH is the positive portrayal of men. Uncle Didi is cool – but not too cool to kiss his nephew and ‘flip-flap’ the baby over his shoulders! The baby’s cousins – Cousin Kay-Kay (and Big Cousin Ross) – include him in their boyish antics and wrestle and play-fight.

 

And then they laugh and laugh and laugh.

“Huh huh huh!”

 

And Daddy affectionately hugs his son close, rubbing the baby’s face against his stubbly chin (just like my own dad did). These men are at ease being themselves and expressing their love. And the baby laps it up!

   The story of Raheem Bailey saddens me. And I wonder, Am I naive to believe that picture books have the power to change society?

Consider the facts: 

Access to picture books featuring positive portrayals of Black, Asian and other ethnic minority groups gives kids understanding.

Children who see themselves reflected in the characters are affirmed.

Picture books teach empathy and put the reader into someone else’s shoes, enabling them to experience life from another perspective.

In short, picture books enlarge kids’ hearts.

And that’s got to be a good thing.

Only then will incidents like the attack on a defenceless child become a thing of the past. 

Tips for sharing SO MUCH

SO MUCH is another fabulous story to read aloud! I used to have so much fun sharing this with my boys! Embrace the rhythm of the Caribbean dialect and go with the flow!

The story centres around a birthday party. Use the story to have a conversation about parties they can remember – favourite games and food, for example.

Take the opportunity to snuggle your precious child and remind them how loved they are – just like the baby in the story.

STORIES WORTH SHARINGSO MUCH by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury(Walker Books, 1994)Good to Read for:its gentle humourpositive male role modelsdiversifying your child’s bookshelfCopyright © 1994 Trish Cooke (Text) & Helen Oxenbury (Illustrations)From SO MUCH by Trish Cooke & Helen OxenburyReproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London, SE11 5HJGOOD TO READPicture books to diversify your child’s bookshelf

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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 “Brilliant – written in an easy, sing-song rhythm that is fun to say aloud.”– BookTrust“I have just read this to a [year one class] and they absolutely adored it.”– Darren Shoneye, GoodReads BUY UK BUY US * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCESSo Much by Trish Cooke, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury (Walker Books, 1994) Abertillery: Outrage after Raheem Bailey loses finger (James McCarthy, BBC News, 23 May 2022) Abertillery boy, 11, loses finger allegedly fleeing bullies (BBC News, 21 May 2022)Uncle Remus Stories retold by Jane Shaw, illustrated by William Backhouse (From the original of Joel Chandler Harris) (Collins) SO MUCH (Publishersweekly.com, 29 August 1994)SO MUCH review, Darren Shoneye, GoodReads© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.

Snuggle up with Bear & friends

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman(Simon & Schuster, 2001)Good to Read for:modelling kindnessan introduction to hibernationa snuggly (and interactive) storytimeI’ve illustrated picture books for almost thirty years, and many have featured bears. (One of the fundamental forces behind creating my characters, Mole and the Lumpy-Bumpy Thing, was because I was keen to illustrate something other than a bear!)

But publishers always want bears. Why? Because bears sell. And the reason they sell is that everyone loves bears! (Perhaps it’s their naturally anthropomorphic appearance or our penchant for teddy bears.) And amongst the favourite picture books featuring bears, you will undoubtedly find Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman (Simon & Schuster 2001).

Bear Snores On was Wilson’s first-ever picture book. A New York Times bestseller (and winner of numerous awards), it’s the first in a long line of Wilson/Chapman Bear books. Picture books are always going to be read aloud. But some – such as Bear Snores On – really raise the bar and beg to be read aloud. 

Here’s how the story begins:

 

In a cave, in the woods in his deep, dark lair, through the long cold winter sleeps a great brown bear.

Cuddled in a heap, with his eyes shut tight,

he sleeps through the day, he sleeps through the night.

The cold winds howl and the night sounds growl. 

But the bear snores on.

 

(This opening naturally lends the story to being used to teach kids about hibernation.) 

The harsh winter conditions of the forest are painted with a palette of icy blues and lilac, which contrast nicely with Bear’s cosy cave of warm browns and terracotta.

Cosy, that is, once Mouse arrives. He sneaks inside, an uninvited visitor seeking shelter from the storm:

 

An itty-bitty mouse-pitter-pat, tip-toe-creep-crawls in the cave from the fluff-cold snow.

 

Read that aloud… Isn’t it great? I love how his scuttling movements are captured by Wilson’s short and snappy phrasing. ‘Fluff-cold snow’ (shown creeping into the cave entrance) is such an evocative description.

 

Mouse squeaks, “Too damp, too dank, too dark.” So he lights wee twigs with a small, hot spark.

The coals pip-pop and the wind doesn’t stop.

But the bear snores on.

   

‘The delightful illustrations… depicting the animals’ party are the perfect accompaniment to the lyrical text,’ notes Kirkus Reviews. Publishers Weekly praises Chapman’s work, too. ‘Working in soft-textured acrylics,’ they write, ‘Chapman makes both the biting weather and the warm, womb-like shelter of Bear’s cave palpable.’

In other words, Bear Snores On has that magical (and desirable) combination of words and pictures seamlessly working together to tell the complete story.

Chapman has a knack for painting the cuddliest looking animals with soft, inviting fur that makes you feel like you could reach out and stroke them. Her characters are incredibly inviting - particularly to little ones! (A parent on GoodReads shares how Bear makes her 2 yr old hug himself and say, Awwww! Hugs!) They’re drawn with just the right amount of naturalism, making their anthropomorphic nature seem utterly believable. A happy blend of realism and utter fantasy, they remind me of William Backhouse’s depiction of Brer Rabbit and friends and Beatrix Potter’s characters. (Perhaps that’s why Bear Snores On has always felt like a classic.)

   

Wilson creates an evocative soundscape and tickles the senses as the story progresses. Vivid descriptions conjure welcoming smells, tastes and sounds from the fire that gradually attract more uninvited guests.

The first to join Mouse is Hare. Together ‘they pop white corn’ and ‘brew black tea.’

   

Mouse sips wee slurps. Hare burps big BURPS!

But the bear snores on.

 

Hare is followed by Badger (who brings honey-nuts to share). Next, come Gopher and Mole who ‘tunnel up through the floor. Then a wren and a raven flutter in through the door!’

The animal friends clearly enjoy the camaraderie (and snacks!) in front of the fire. And before you know it, it’s become a full-on party.

   

Bear continues to snore on – deep in hibernation, oblivious to it all.

At this point in the story, your child will feel relaxed and comforted and fully engaged with the impromptu party. Meaning it’s the perfect time for Wilson to play her ace! As ‘Hare stokes the fire [and] Mouse seasons stew..a small pepper fleck makes the bear… RAAAAA-CHOOOOOO!!!!’

Chapman’s illustration adds so much to the scene!

   

You can almost feel the blast of Bear’s sneeze as the flames stutter, the stew pot swings and the animals’ fur is blown back. Now the Bear is wide awake – and he is NOT a happy camper.

 

BEAR GNARLS and SNARLS.

BEAR ROARS and he RUMBLES!

BEAR JUMPS and he STOMPS.

BEAR GROWLS and he GRUMBLES!

 

It’s an unexpected turn of events that creates a frisson of danger. What will happen next? Kids will be on the edge of their seats! The moment of tension lasts just a moment. Turn the page, and we discover that Bear isn’t angry at them for invading his den. He’s sad to have missed out on the fun – and pitifully begins wailing and blubbering!

 

Mouse squeaks, “Don’t fret. Don’t fuss. Look, see? We can pop more corn! We can brew more tea!”

   

The animals extend the sharing to include Bear. And so the party continues, with Bear in the thick of the action, eating treats and ‘[spinning] tall tales through the blustery night.’

As dawn breaks, there’s a satisfying twist on the final page: Bear can’t sleep –

 

But his friends snore on.

 

I recommend Bear Snores On from personal experience. My boys loved having it read at any time. But at the end of the day, still warm from their bath, it guaranteed an extra snuggly storytime. Great for you and your child! Then, with a bit of luck, it'll be your kid’s turn to snore on…

Tips for sharing Bear Snores On

Wilson’s text is a joy to read aloud! Vary your tone of voice and the speed of reading. For example, use a quick, soft voice when reading about Mouse pitter-pattering and a deep, loud voice for the dramatic moment when Bear wakes up.

Once your child becomes familiar with the story, give them opportunities to join in by pausing at refrains. They’ll feel empowered and encouraged as a reader.

Use the theme of Bear Snores On to talk to your child about hibernation. Explain why Bear is sleeping so soundly through the long winter.

STORIES WORTH SHARINGBear Snores On by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman(Simon & Schuster, 2001)Good to Read for:modelling kindnessan introduction to hibernationa snuggly (and interactive) bedtime readCopyright © 2001 Karma Wilson (Text) & Jane Chapman (Illustrations)From BEAR SNORES ON by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman(Simon & Schuster, 2001)Illustration of Brer Fox and Brer Terrapin © by William BackhouseGOOD TO READPicture books with moments of suspense!

The Grotlyn by Benji Davies

The Snatchabook by Helen & Thomas Docherty

Olivia… and the Missing Toy by Ian Falconer

Lavender by Posy Simmonds

DANGEROUS! by Tim Warnes

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 “A HUGE hit with kindergarten and first graders”– Relyn, GoodReads

“The added bonus of getting your little one involved in the reading by pressing the snoring sound button … is a joy.”– Pablo, Amazon review buy uk buy us * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCESBear Snores On by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman (Simon & Schuster, 2001)
Bear Snores On Review (Kirkus Reviews, 20 May 2010) Bear Snores On (Publishers Weekly, 26 November 2001)Uncle Remus Stories retold by Jane Shaw, illustrated by William Backhouse (From the original of Joel Chandler Harris) (Collins)© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.

How Mole encourages curiosity and engages kids with nature

DANGEROUS! by Tim Warnes(Little Tiger Press, 2014)Good to Read for:encouraging curiosityconnecting with natureexpanding your child’s vocabularyMy picture book DANGEROUS! is fun to read aloud and makes kids laugh.

It’s also tender, teaches empathy and presents an opportunity to discuss feelings and help your child navigate the ups and downs of their friendships.

But last week, I was struck by this: DANGEROUS! is also an excellent way to encourage children to engage with the natural world and their environment. In this article, I’ll explain why and suggest how you might use the story with your kids at home (or in a class setting).

The story begins with a diminutive (and curious!) Mole going about his business:

 

Mole loved labelling things.

All sorts of things.

Anything really.

 

Mole labels everything he can find in the woods. Inspired by my local forest where I like to walk, I included an anthill, pinecones, a frog and some poop – things my young readers might notice (including a crumpled drink can). 

Mole is engaged with his environment. He takes pleasure in noticing things around him and then sticking name labels on them. Obsessive? Just a bit! I’ve been asked, “Is Mole autistic?” Maybe. But as the story explains, ‘naming things was what Mole liked best.’ It makes him happy!

 

One day, Mole found something unusual on the path.

“What is this strange thing?” he wondered.

 

Up until now, Mole has been naming the things he finds. In other words, labelling them with nouns.

But Mole has no reference point for the strange object on the path. Unable to name it, he begins describing it instead:

 

[Mole] poked it gently. Then he stuck a label on it.

lumpy

And another…

Bumpy

…and then a few more. But he still didn’t know what it was.

   

It’s a puzzle, alright. But as you can see from the following illustration, Mole may be bemused – but he’s having a great time with his labels!

Now imagine you’re Mole! Go out with a child to your local park, the woods or your backyard and see what you can find. (Your kid will spot the stuff that interests them.)

(I remember once being at an airshow. My son, Noah (aged four or five at the time), was oblivious to the ear-splitting planes flying about and landing. He was totally engrossed by a teeny tiny bug.)

Then get your child to name the things of interest if they can (even if it is ‘Bob’!).

If they can’t, encourage them to follow Mole’s example – describe it instead of naming it.

   

SUDDENLY…

…the enormous Lumpy-Bumpy Thing gave a big stretch and yawned a terrifying yawn!

“Don’t eat me!” squealed Mole as he dived for cover.

 

I’ve written elsewhere about what happens next (and you can watch me read the full story in the video below). Beneath all the wordplay, DANGEROUS! is a story of acceptance, tolerance, and friendship – with some mild peril on the way! Children will be able to empathise with both Mole for getting cross – and the Lumpy-Bumpy Thing, who’s reduced to tears. Suffice to say, Mole learns that sometimes the words we use to describe (or label) others can be hurtful.

   When I was developing DANGEROUS! I hadn’t realised how enjoyable and valuable readers would find Mole’s labelling.

Schools have found it a fun resource, as this message from ‘a grateful teacher’, Helen Crocker, reveals:

Today, we have had so much fun in our year 2 Class writing labels after reading your incredible book Dangerous!

We spent a long time discussing how we should label others. Then we picked out a child at random and stuck positive words all over her. It was honestly so lovely and heartwarming seeing all the kind words they came up with. The little girl (who sometimes lacks confidence) was beaming from ear to ear!

   

You could go all out with sticky labels like Mole and Class 2! Or just chat and let the words float in the air. The important thing is to have fun and encourage curiosity (see my tips below). As you spend quality time with them, your child will be nurtured and affirmed, and I’ll have achieved my goal: to connect you with your kids through stories worth sharing. If I can simultaneously get kids out into nature – then so much the better!

 Tips for sharing DANGEROUS!

Go on a scavenger hunt! Arm yourself with a handful of Mole’s labels (these could just be jotted down on your phone or the back of an envelope) and see what you and your child can find. A feather, a fly, or a tin can, perhaps? Maybe something lumpy, muddy, striped or squishy?

Write labels to describe something familiar. (Each other, for example! Or your dog, Granny or a cuddly toy.)

Give the characters distinct voices - maybe a higher-pitched voice for Mole and a deeper tone for the Lumpy-Bumpy Thing’s Yum! Yum! Yums! (Watch the video below for a demonstration!)

 STORIES WORTH SHARINGDANGEROUS! by Tim Warnes(Little Tiger Press, 2014)Good to Read for:encouraging curiosityconnecting with natureexpanding your child’s vocabularyCopyright © 2014 Tim WarnesFrom DANGEROUS! by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press 2014)Nominated - Kate Greenaway Medal 2015Finalist - Coventry Inspiration Book Awards 2016Shortlisted - Oscar’s First Book Prize 2015Longlisted - North Somerset Teachers’ Book Awards 2015Shortlisted - IBW Book Award 2016GOOD TO READPicture books to engage kids with nature

Hike by Pete Oswald

The Night Walk by Marie Dorléans

Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright! Animal poems selected by Fiona Waters, illustrated by Britta Teckentrup

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“Great for sharing and reading aloud (and expanding the vocabulary!)”– BookTrust“I loved this book. I think [my son] loves it even more.”– Christina Baker, GoodReads BUY USA BUY UK * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLES

Www.timwarnes.com/blog/2020/5/7/the-dangerous-no-brain

Www.timwarnes.com/blog/2019/5/23/lear...

Www.timwarnes.com/blog/2020/11/26/war...

SOURCESDANGEROUS! by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press 2014)BookTrust review of DANGEROUS! DANGEROUS! on GoodReads© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.

'I AM HUNGRY' A fun book to share with your kids

I AM HUNGRY by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Robert Starling(Walker Books, 2022)Good to Read for:the adorable squirrelinspiring creative playsharing a laugh with your kidsI AM HUNGRY (based on the poem from A Great Big Cuddle) is written by former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen. Hot off the press from Walker Book, it will be a huge hit with pre-schoolers. 

At the start, a note to Grown-ups explains the book’s premise: The narrator (a cute squirrel) is hungry. (“So hungry,” explains Rosen in its trailer, “it could eat, well – almost anything.”) And when the squirrel feels hungry, it daydreams about things it could eat. ‘Sometimes it’s crazy things you can’t eat, like a dream or a wish.’ The squirrel (casually swinging on top of an empty bird feeder) goes on to encourage readers to use the book as a launchpad for some creative play of their own:

 

[T]ake it in turns to think of real things you’d like to eat and then mix them up with amazing and impossible things. See who can come up with the craziest stuff!

 

It’s a simple but valuable addition to the book that reminds parents to have fun with their kids. It will get your child giggling and spark some crazy imaginative play if you do.

Anyway, the small, red squirrel has clearly been practising this game of make-believe! At first, the tasty delights it dreams of eating are reasonable enough (even for a squirrel): 

 

I’m SO hungry, I’ll…

eat a bread roll,

popcorn in a bowl,

one plate of boiled rice,

two chocolate mice…

   

I AM HUNGRY is an excellent example of a quality picture book. Written with its audience in mind, Rosen gives Starling space to expand the narrative and add to the story through the illustrations. For example, when the squirrel dreams of eating ‘some fried fish’, the accompanying picture shows him with a newspaper-wrapped fish supper – hotly pursued by a gang of marauding gulls! Moments like these are valuable to children learning to read, as it empowers them to tell the story in their own words.

   

Gradually, Rosen unleashes his gently anarchic humour, and the squirrel’s dream morsels become increasingly bonkers. (For example, ‘a funny joke’, ‘a frying pan’ and ‘a dark and stormy night’!) ‘In true Michael Rosen style,’ notes BookTrust, ‘nothing is too silly’. Starling’s accompanying illustrations brilliantly capture the humour of Rosen’s outlandish text! His squirrel is so expressive and utterly adorable. (I especially love the images showing the squirrel eating a frying pan and elsewhere, reaching out for ‘a bit of the moon’ from atop ‘a giant prune’!)

There are few sounds more precious than a young child’s laughter. So a picture book that’s designed to elicit giggles is definitely something worth sharing. My own kids are now 22 and 16 years old. Trust me - they grow fast! There’ll only be so many storytimes – so don’t miss the opportunity to connect and make memories with your own kids while you can!

(If you haven’t done so already, sign up for your free weekly email. My story recommendations and tips will help you choose picture books with confidence.)

   

I AM HUNGRY (with its irresistible narrator) is silly fun that kids will adore. What’s more, they’ll enjoy sharing their own crazy ideas with you. And if anyone can out-think the squirrel’s wild flights of fantasy, it’ll be a three-year-old!

Giant prune, anyone?!

 STORIES WORTH SHARINGI AM HUNGRY by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Robert Starling(Walker Books, 2022)Good to Read for:the adorable squirrelinspiring creative playsharing a joke with your kidsCopyright © 2022 Michael Rosen (Text) & Robert Starling (Illustrations)From I AM HUNGRY by Michael Rosen & Robert StarlingReproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London, SE11 5HJ www.walker.co.ukGOOD TO READPicture books pre-schoolers will LOVE

Tip Tap Went the Crab by Tim Hopgood

How Kind by Mary Murphy

Tiny Little Fly by Michael Rosen and Kevin Waldron

Max at Night by Ed Vere

Say Hello to the Dinosaurs! by Ian Whybrow & Tim Warnes

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 “A joy to read aloud.”– LoveReading4Kids“A super accessible, fun read for toddlers and pre-schoolers.”– BookTrust buy uk * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCESI AM HUNGRY by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Robert Starling (Walker Books, 2022) I Am Hungry | Book | Kids' Poems and Stories with Michael Rosen (Kids Poems and Stories with Michael Rosen, youtube.co.uk, 6 January 2022) I am Hungry (booktrust.org.uk)© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.

'I AM HUNGRY' A fun book to share with your kids

I AM HUNGRY by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Robert Starling(Walker Books, 2022)Good to Read for:the adorable squirrelinspiring creative playsharing a laugh with your kidsI AM HUNGRY (based on the poem from A Great Big Cuddle) is written by former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen. Hot off the press from Walker Book, it will be a huge hit with pre-schoolers. 

At the start, a note to Grown-ups explains the book’s premise: The narrator (a cute squirrel) is hungry. (“So hungry,” explains Rosen in its trailer, “it could eat, well – almost anything.”) And when the squirrel feels hungry, it daydreams about things it could eat. ‘Sometimes it’s crazy things you can’t eat, like a dream or a wish.’ The squirrel (casually swinging on top of an empty bird feeder) goes on to encourage readers to use the book as a launchpad for some creative play of their own:

 

[T]ake it in turns to think of real things you’d like to eat and then mix them up with amazing and impossible things. See who can come up with the craziest stuff!

 

It’s a simple but valuable addition to the book that reminds parents to have fun with their kids. It will get your child giggling and spark some crazy imaginative play if you do.

Anyway, the small, red squirrel has clearly been practising this game of make-believe! At first, the tasty delights it dreams of eating are reasonable enough (even for a squirrel): 

 

I’m SO hungry, I’ll…

eat a bread roll,

popcorn in a bowl,

one plate of boiled rice,

two chocolate mice…

   

I AM HUNGRY is an excellent example of a quality picture book. Written with its audience in mind, Rosen gives Starling space to expand the narrative and add to the story through the illustrations. For example, when the squirrel dreams of eating ‘some fried fish’, the accompanying picture shows him with a newspaper-wrapped fish supper – hotly pursued by a gang of marauding gulls! Moments like these are valuable to children learning to read, as it empowers them to tell the story in their own words.

   

Gradually, Rosen unleashes his gently anarchic humour, and the squirrel’s dream morsels become increasingly bonkers. (For example, ‘a funny joke’, ‘a frying pan’ and ‘a dark and stormy night’!) ‘In true Michael Rosen style,’ notes BookTrust, ‘nothing is too silly’. Starling’s accompanying illustrations brilliantly capture the humour of Rosen’s outlandish text! His squirrel is so expressive and utterly adorable. (I especially love the images showing the squirrel eating a frying pan and elsewhere, reaching out for ‘a bit of the moon’ from atop ‘a giant prune’!)

There are few sounds more precious than a young child’s laughter. So a picture book that’s designed to elicit giggles is definitely something worth sharing. My own kids are now 22 and 16 years old. Trust me - they grow fast! There’ll only be so many storytimes – so don’t miss the opportunity to connect and make memories with your own kids while you can!

(If you haven’t done so already, sign up for your free weekly email. My story recommendations and tips will help you choose picture books with confidence.)

   

I AM HUNGRY (with its irresistible narrator) is silly fun that kids will adore. What’s more, they’ll enjoy sharing their own crazy ideas with you. And if anyone can out-think the squirrel’s wild flights of fantasy, it’ll be a three-year-old!

Giant prune, anyone?!

STORIES WORTH SHARINGI AM HUNGRY by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Robert Starling(Walker Books, 2022)Good to Read for:the adorable squirrelinspiring creative playsharing a joke with your kidsCopyright © 2022 Michael Rosen (Text) & Robert Starling (Illustrations)From I AM HUNGRY by Michael Rosen & Robert StarlingReproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London, SE11 5HJ www.walker.co.ukGOOD TO READPicture books pre-schoolers will LOVE

Tip Tap Went the Crab by Tim Hopgood

How Kind by Mary Murphy

Tiny Little Fly by Michael Rosen and Kevin Waldron

Max at Night by Ed Vere

Say Hello to the Dinosaurs! by Ian Whybrow & Tim Warnes

BUY THE BOOK

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 “A joy to read aloud.”– LoveReading4Kids“A super accessible, fun read for toddlers and pre-schoolers.”– BookTrust buy uk * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLES

SOURCES

I AM HUNGRY by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Robert Starling (Walker Books, 2022) I Am Hungry | Book | Kids' Poems and Stories with Michael Rosen (Kids Poems and Stories with Michael Rosen, youtube.co.uk, 6 January 2022) I am Hungry (booktrust.org.uk)© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.

Fred – a magical bedtime story

Fred by Posy Simmonds(Random House, 1987)Good to Read for:a cosy, lengthier bedtime storysupporting kids over the loss of a loved petdeveloping visual literacyThe story begins with Sophie and Nick – two young children who are ‘sit[ting] outside their house feeling sad.’ Sophie explains to a neighbour, “Our cat, Fred, has died.”

‘Everyone is sad when they hear the news’ – and everyone comments on how much time Fred spent napping.

 

Fred used to sleep all the time.

He also liked eating…

and purring and sitting on laps…

but most of all, he liked sleeping…

   

The family gather to bury their beloved cat under the buddleia bush at the end of the garden (alongside the guinea pig and a beetle). And the story might have ended there.

   

Instead, Simmonds takes a familiar (if sad) scenario from everyday life and wraps it in a cosy blanket of fantasy, creating a gentle, touching, and fun story. I can imagine it would support children experiencing grief, acting as it does to remember the dearly departed with love and thanks. It also opens up the notion that even those nearest and dearest to us may have hidden depths. (Another picture book that excels at this is The Frank Show by David Mackintosh.)

Fred was Simmonds’ first picture book. By then, she was established as a first-rate cartoonist for the likes of the Guardian newspaper, and those finely honed skills transfer to picture books perfectly. Despite being a panelled ‘comic’ story, Fred has a natural rhythm and flow when read aloud. In his monograph, Posy Simmonds, Paul Gravett notes:

 

[Simmonds] punctuates with few exclamation marks, and favours ellipses to make her characters’ speech and thoughts naturally pause, and to give her captions a measured flow.

– The Illustrators: Posy Simmonds by Paul Gravett 

Elsewhere, her use of ‘silent’ panels (notably at the start of the story when the children fall asleep) lulls and soothes.

Aside from the visual pacing, Simmonds has an ear for dialogue. (In interviews, Simmonds often tells how she jots down overheard conversations). The effect in Fred is a reassuring realism that somehow makes the ensuing fantasy even more magical! Like this, for example:

 

Fred won’t be sleeping on my bed anymore…

No… I know..

We’ll all miss him, won’t we?

Yes

Poor pussy

Poor old lazy Fred…

 

During the night, Sophie is woken by the sound of caterwauling.

   

She peers outside then wakes her little brother. (“Look! In the garden…a cat…in a HAT!”)

   

They creep downstairs, giggling and whispering. Outside, ‘Mrs Spedding’s Ginger’ is in their garden. Dressed as an undertaker, he tearfully asks the children if they are ‘friends of our dear departed [Fred]’. 

   

He was OURS!

YOURS? YOU…OWNED FRED?!

YES!

YOU…owned the MOST FAMOUS CAT in the WORLD?

Fred?

Famous?

   

As they chat, a vast crowd of mourners (cats and even the occasional rodent) gather in the cool, blue night. Clambering over garden walls and down from the rooftops, each one dressed fit for the fanciest of funerals. The surreal and dreamlike quality is enhanced by their bouquets of ridiculously oversized flowers, which punctuate the scene with bright pops of colour.

   

It’s now that the truth is revealed to Sophie and Nick. Yes, their beloved Fred indeed slept all day. But only because he led an exciting double life! As Ginger explains, each night, the neighbourhood moggies would gather and wait:

 

[T]he back door would open…and the lights went out, and all was hushed… and then, Fred would make his bow… and start to sing… MeYOWL!

 

I’m partial to a bit of Elvis, and Simmonds has clearly been influenced by Presley’s Vegas years. Famous Fred cavorts and wails with his band, The Heavy Saucers, as his fans go wild for ‘the greatest singer in the world!’

    

The funeral procession (led by Mrs Spedding’s Ginger) is a noisy affair with plenty of woeful caterwauling. ‘[O]ne by one, the mourners lay their wreaths and flowers on the grave’ before heading to Adelaide Road, where a feast (from the dustbins, of course!) is being held in Fred’s honour.

   

The ensuing din becomes too much for the residents of Adelaide Road. The party abruptly ends as a saucepan of water is thrown down onto the gathering. Ginger calls the alarm – “Scatter, cats!” – and with a brief handshake goodbye, the soggy moggies disappear.

   

As with Raymond Briggs’ fantastical The Snowman, all good things must come to an end. The magic subsides, and Sophie and Nick creep inside and back to bed. ‘[S]oon, first Nick…and then Sophie, fall fast asleep.’

I love the ambiguous ending of the morning after the night before. Fred’s family discovers hundreds of ‘little, muddy pawprints’ running through the house (from when the mourners took a shortcut to get to Adelaide Road). Someone has picked all the daisies. And Nick’s special toy rabbit lies where he left it the previous night – at Fred’s grave.  

But for a moment, Simmonds casts a shadow of a doubt. The heap of magnificent flowers laid by Fred’s fans at his graveside have mysteriously disappeared. Was it all a dream, after all? Fortunately, Simmonds delights in giving her young readers exactly what they want. Marking Fred’s final resting place under the buddleia bush is a fancy new headstone. It simply reads FAMOUS FRED.

And in the background, a passing cat grins from the top of their garden wall.

   On the surface, the story of Fred – the death of a cat – may sound depressing.

Its origins are sad, evolving as it did from a sketch Simmonds made after attending the funeral of a friend. (“Afterwards I drew cats crying as undertakers.”) Yet it is an utterly enchanting and affirming ‘meditation on loss and the importance of sharing memories.’ [LoveReading4Kids]

As with Simmonds’ other picture books (particularly Baker Cat and Lavender), Fred was a favourite to read with my boys, especially if I wanted a more extended snuggle! The brilliant thing about them is that they withstand repeated reading. (I think that’s partly due to the humorous visual asides that Simmonds adds to the story, drawing kids further into the fantasy. In Fred, such details include kittens picking their noses, cats in bin bags, a ghetto blaster playing Famous Fred and the Heavy Saucers and mice sporting leather jackets and shades. ) 

The more a story is shared, the more it becomes embedded in your family’s memories. So, when Levi (now aged sixteen) saw Fred on my desk earlier this week, he lit up: “Oh! I remember reading that with you. I loved Fred!” That’s the power – and joy – of sharing quality picture books with your kids. Yes, they help develop reading and literacy skills. More significantly, they build empathy for others. But they also forge magical connections between the child, their childhood and you. And that’s definitely something worth sharing!

 Tips for sharing Fred

Use it to prompt sharing memories of dearly departed pets – and relatives.

Don’t race over wordless sections. Pause (and point) at each panel. Give your child a moment to absorb the action themselves (or add your own commentary). The will pace naturally slow – which is great for winding down at bedtime!

Have fun imagining the secret double life of cats and dogs that you know!

STORIES WORTH SHARINGFred by Posy Simmonds(Random House, 1987)Good to Read for:a cosy, lengthier bedtime storysupporting kids over the loss of a loved petdeveloping visual literacyCopyright © 1987 by Posy SimmondsFrom FRED by Posy Simmonds(Red Fox)GOOD TO READPicture books with a comic book vibe

Clown by Quentin Blake

The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish by Neil Gaiman & Dave McKean

Queenie the Bantam by Bob Graham

In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak

Lavender by Posy Simmonds

Baker Cat by Posy Simmonds

Chalk & Cheese by Tim Warnes

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 “Our 6 year old and 3 year old loved it… They were a bit disappointed we hadn’t had a bigger funeral for the cat, though.”– Amazon customer review“Fred is pure delight.”– The Guardian  buy uk BUY US * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCESFred by Posy Simmonds (Jonathan Cape Ltd, 1987)The Illustrators: Posy Simmonds by Paul Gravett (Thames & Hudson, 2019 Fred Review (Lovereading4kids)© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.

The Boy with Flowers in his Hair: redefining masculinity and modelling empathy

The Boy with Flowers in His Hair by Jarvis(Walker Books, 2022)Good to Read for:its diverse and inclusive cast of charactersdiscussions about mental/physical illnessredefining masculinityThe Boy with Flowers in His Hair is a splendid example of a diverse and inclusive picture book. Different ethnicities abound (a child wearing glasses and a wheelchair user are also included). But it’s the visually striking David (a.k.a. the boy with flowers in his hair) who stands out as being different.   

There’s no explanation as to why David has flowers in his hair. (At first, I assumed he put them there. But as the story unfolds, it’s revealed that the colourful blooms are actually growing.) It’s surreal, even for a picture book. But David’s unusual trait is not what the story’s about – because from the start, David is accepted by his class. His flowers aren’t an issue. Everybody likes him (‘even Mrs Jones, and flowers make her sneeze’)!

The story is narrated by another boy, David’s best friend. They do what all besties do – jump in puddles, make up songs and run away from bees (attracted to the flowers in David’s hair!). It’s an idyllic reflection on the carefree, fun-filled days of childhood.

But then something happens.

 

I was watering David’s hair and one of his petals came off in my hand.

That afternoon, he didn’t want to play.

 

Jarvis intentionally leaves the event vague. But the unspecified trauma changes David. He becomes quiet and withdrawn and loses his smile. (In an interview with the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), Jarvis says the loss of David’s colourful flowers represented a kind of depression or illness: “Something that can’t be explained or easily fixed.”)

David’s sudden emotional reaction and vulnerability apply to many tragic situations that can affect kids’ lives. So leaving the event open to interpretation was a smart move by Jarvis. 

Significantly, David’s flowery hair – once emblematic of the happy-go-lucky, popular child – now becomes ‘twiggy, spiky and brittle’ – a visual metaphor for how David’s emotional health has changed. His classmates are unnerved and warily keep their distance – except for our narrator. He is loyal and brave and faithfully stays by his best friend’s side:

 

I got a few scratches, but it wasn’t David’s fault.

 

Artistic and proactive, the boy finds a creative solution to support his ailing friend:

 

I asked Mrs Jones for a paintbrush,

and some scissors,

and I found a way…

to give David his colour back. 

   

The other children are inspired. Everybody joins in, helping make enough paper flowers to cover David’s head once more until he ‘[seems] back to how he was before.’

 

Almost.

 

(Interestingly, Jarvis says this is one of his favourite parts of his story. “Because sometimes the biggest things can’t always be ‘solved’.”)

Gradually, David’s own flowers begin to bloom once more. (‘And soon enough, all those buzzy bees were back!’). But his best friend keeps a big boxful of paper flowers, ‘just in case [David] ever needs them.’

 

Because he’s my best friend,

And I am his.

  If you need it, here’s one final reason to share The Boy with Flowers in his Hair: it opens up a discussion about what it means to be masculine.

Which is a good thing: Doing so helps pave the way to a healthier future for men and women. Let me explain how – and why that’s important:

Flowers are traditionally associated with women and girls. So associating a boy with flowers breaks down a gendered trope in itself. (What’s more, David is happy to be his own flowery self – and accepted.)

David is described by the narrator as ‘sweet and gentle, just like his petals.’

His best friend (another boy) also demonstrates gentle, loving care.

The two best friends are demonstrative of their affection for each other.

The story sends the message (pertinent to boys) that it’s OK to be creative.

I was a sensitive, gentle, creative boy. Did I fit in the traditional boy mould? Absolutely not! You might find me near a sports pitch – but only if I was watching gulls! At times it was a struggle. The Boy with Flowers in his Hair will affirm a similar child. By presenting an alternative way to be a boy/masculine, the story effectively challenges damaging gender tropes. It gives children – both boys and girls – permission to freely explore their interests: be that acting out domestic chores, caring for the baby doll, kicking a football or putting on a spacesuit.

I’ve used this quote before (in my review of How To Be a Lion), but it bears repeating:

Too often strength and sensitivity are presented as mutually exclusive… We need to teach compassion, respect and empathy at an early, foundational age. If we can teach this to boys at around five, and demonstrate that being gentle, sensitive or emotionally engaged isn’t a weakness, but part of being a fully rounded grown-up man, then we’re getting the message through to them before toxic [masculine] attitudes have a chance to solidify.

- Authors steer boys from toxic masculinity with gentler heroes (The Guardian)

 STORIES WORTH SHARINGThe Boy with Flowers in His Hair by Jarvis(Walker Books, 2022)Good to Read for:its diverse and inclusive cast of charactersdiscussions about mental/physical illnessredefining masculinityCopyright © 2022 JarvisFrom THE BOY WITH FLOWERS IN HIS HAIR by JarvisReproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London, SE11 5HJ www.walker.co.ukGOOD TO READPicture books that challenge traditional ideas of masculinity

So Much by Trish Cooke & Helen Oxenbury

NO! by Tracey Corderoy & Tim Warnes

The Boy with Flowers in His Hair by Jarvis

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love

How To Be a Lion by Ed Vere

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 “Explores the power of friendship and acceptance.” – Reading Zone
“A touching demonstration of kindness and supportiveness.”– Red Reading Hub buy UK BUY US * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESOURCESThe Boy with Flowers in His Hair by Jarvis (Walker Books, 2022) Q&A with Jarvis all about The Boy with Flowers in His Hair (CLPE.org, 21 March 2022) Authors steer boys from toxic masculinity with gentler heroes (Donna Furguson, The Guardian, 14 July 2018)© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.

Lull kids to sleep with ‘Goodnight Everyone’

Goodnight Everyone by Chris Haughton(Walker Books, 2016)Good to Read for:getting young children to sleepits interactive pagesdiscussing the night skySome months ago, I reviewed Chris Haughton’s funny  Oh No, George! . His picture books are oh-so-stylish. For both parents and kids, they’re pure eye candy. Characters and landscapes are distilled to their simplest forms in rich, rainbow colours, pushed almost to abstraction. It’s a distinctive and highly praised style. 

As Goodnight Everyone begins, bleary-eyed animals already peer out from brightly coloured bushes:

 

the sun is going down and everyone is sleepy

 

(Some readers may have a gripe with the stylistic choice of minimal punctuation and capital letters.) 

Goodnight Everyone is a well-crafted bedtime story: warm, embracing, soporific – indeed, The Irish Times likens it to a warm blanket. But there’s more!

Haughton’s added a clever (and gentle) interactive element to the book. At the story’s start, the pages are cut back in size. This has the effect of forming flaps, with the pages increasing in size to reveal ever larger (yawning!) animals. 

The first trimmed back page features a group of sleepy mice. One lets out a slight yawn. it’s a perfect opportunity for kids to join in. (And as we all know, yawns are contagious…) 

   

When the page is turned again, the yawning mouse on the left-hand side is covered, and the next group of animals (hares) are revealed. It’s a simple and effective device that little fingers will be unable to resist. (On his blog, Haughton points out it’s almost as if the animals are covered up and tucked in as the page is turned.) 

 

the deer are sleepy

they take a long deep breath

AHH………YAWN

even Great Big Bear is sleepy

She has a GREAT, BIG STRETCH

AHHHH…………YAWN

 

The effect is magical and soporific. (GoodReads reviewer Brett describes it perfectly when he writes, There’s a certain rhythm that feels a bit like breathing in the text here; things go up & then down, in & then out.

   

This framework of sighs and yawns is repeated, bringing a sense of calm and gearing your child up for sleep.

But wait! Wide-eyed Little Bear is not sleepy.

Yet.

 

“wanna play?” asks Little Bear

 

With all that sighing and yawning, his animal friends are too tired to play. Fortunately, it’s not long before Little Bear feels sleepy, too. He ‘takes a long, deep breath… and has a GREAT, BIG, ENORMOUS s t r e t c h….’

 

“It really must be time for bed”

says Great Big Bear

 

And she carries the dozy Little Bear to bed by the scruff.

Haughton ramps up his mission to make his readers feel even more sleepy! He switches that repeated framework of sighs and yawns for another recurring pattern: sighs and snores. ‘These repetitive, sleepy actions and a well-paced text make this a pleasure to read aloud,’ notes The Bookseller.

 

the mice are asleep

they snore

… zzZ

and sigh

Sss…

goodnight mice

 

The hares and the deer are snoring and sighing, too. Which leaves only the bears.

 

Little Bear

gets a great

big goodnight

kiss

*X*

 

By the look of it, Little Bear’s already asleep.

As Haughton pans out of the illustrations, the story ends with everyone asleep under a full moon. 

  [image error]  In my opinion, Goodnight Everyone is pretty much a perfect bedtime read for very young kids.

But the seductive illustrations and rhythm of the text will appeal to older kids, too. I can imagine an older sibling happily snuggling down to share this with a younger child. Older kids will also get a kick out of Haughton’s stylish endpapers, which show the southern and northern night sky’s constellations (front and back endpapers, respectively). Not only that, Haughton subtly shows the planets in our galaxy and gives a visual explanation of day and night.

Sadly, Goodnight Everyone was published too late for me to share with my own two boys. Described by the Guardian as a ‘hypnotic ode to sleep’, the review continues: this perfect starlit bedtime book will have parents yawning dangerously alongside their offspring. 

One thing’s for sure – Haughton’s story would have lulled me to sleep! I nodded off countless times when reading to my kids. (Only to be abruptly woken with a gentle slap on the face and instruction to “Wake up, Dada!”) I suppose that’s the gauntlet parents must run when sharing well-crafted bedtime stories with their kids! 

(For the record, I illustrated the predicament in MORE! This book is part of the successful Archie/Otto series. In one scene, Archie is demanding one more story of Daddy Rhino, who is slumped with fatigue, surrounded by a pile of picture books!)

   Tips for sharing Goodnight Everyone

Let your child turn the page flaps. It helps develop fine motor skills and connects them with the act of reading.

Make yawning sounds and actions! As you reach the end of the book, slow the pace and read more quietly.

Older kids will enjoy discussing the endpapers. They reveal the planets in our galaxy and show the constellations of the southern and northern night skies.

STORIES WORTH SHARINGGoodnight Everyone by Chris Haughton(Walker Books, 2016)Good to Read for:getting young children to sleepits interactive pagesan introduction to the night skyCopyright © 2016 Chris HaughtonFrom GOODNIGHT EVERYONE by Chris HaughtonReproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London, SE11 5HJ www.walker.co.ukIllustration of Archie Rhino from MORE! by Tracey Corderoy (Little Tiger Press 2015) © Tim Warnes 2015GOOD TO READPicture books for a good night’s sleep

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown & Clement Hurd

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman

The Sea Tiger by Victoria Turnball

Max at Night by Ed Vere

Can’t You Sleep, Little Bear? by Martin Waddell & Barbara Firth

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 “I’ve read it to our little boy dozens of times (making him yawn in the process!).”– Daniel commenting on  chrishaughton.com “a simple and lulling … story that will help little ones yawn along.”– BookTrust buy uk buy us * I EARN COMMISSION FROM THESE LINKS #AD/AFFRELATED ARTICLESSOURCESGoodnight Everyone by Chris Haughton (Walker Books 2016) Goodnight Everyone (booktrust.org) Goodnight Everyone (chrishaughton.com) Goodnight Everyone (goodreads.com)MORE! by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Tim Warnes (Little Tiger Press 2015)© 2022 BY TIM WARNES(UNLESS OTHERWISE ATTRIBUTED)****USE OF THIRD PARTY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL FALLS UNDER FAIR USE/FAIR DEALING PRACTICE.