Author: The Book Monitor team Page 5 of 39

Selfies With Komodos

On January 18, 2023

In Otter-Barry Books, Featured children's book

By Brian Moses & Illustrated by Ed Boxall

A sparkling new collection from a leading children’s poet

Every day is an adventure in this brilliant, eagerly awaited collection from one of the UK’s best loved poets. Find cats, dogs and dragons, a rock’n’roll iguana and the Rescue Centre for Mythical Beasts. Take the night train to Transylvania, learn to fly or send a postcard from Pluto – but never take a selfie with a Komodo!

Such a great book full of poems that are sometimes catchy, sometimes scary but always fun.

A poem called Dragons, it just helps your imagination to roam beyond wherever you are.

When I met the dragon of vanity,

we gazed into his mirror.

When I met the dragon of discovery

we roamed the known world together.

When I met the dragon of imagination

we tiptoed in and out of each other’s dreams…’

Poet, Brian Moses is one of Britain’s favourite children’s poets and he is featured on the National Poetry Archive. He has written more than 200 books and has sold over 1 million of his poetry books and anthologies.

Illustrator, Ed Boxall, is an artist, performer writer and educator from Hastings, a seaside town in the south of England. He has written and illustrated loads of books. His website is packed with ideas and books of course. Try Word Dreaming, you’ll have fun and learn lots alongside.

Otter-Barry Books have a wonderful collection of poetry books and are an inspirational publisher for children’s books which spark imaginations and bring dreams to life.

Sue Martin Children’s Literacy Specialist

Letters to Anyone and Everyone by Toon Tellegen , illustrated by Jessica Ahlberg

By The Book Monitor team

On January 10, 2023

In Boxer Books, Featured children's book

Winner of the Marsh Award 2011 for Children’s Literature in Translation. Translated by Martin Cleaver. In this newly formatted edition of Letters to Anyone and Everyone, Toon Tellegen conjures up a world where the creatures of the earth can send a letter to the sun (and get an answer); where you can actually write a letter to a letter; and where just writing something down can make it true. Perfectly complemented by Jessica Ahlberg’s delicate illustrations.

Ever since I received this book it has stayed by my sofa. It is so delightfully calm and intuitive. The idea of writing a letter and receiving a wonderful reply is so stunning. Wouldn’t that go some way to solving some of the worlds’ problems!! ( Don’t quote me on that one!)

The tortoise for instance, who had a problem as he woke up to discover he was in a hurry! So he wrote to snail, who replied…

Dearest Tortoise,

That is a tragedy for you. It’s so cruel when you’re in a hurry. Fight your way out of it and defeat it. Fold it into an insignificant ball, then bury it in the ground. Above all, keep your cool, If you and I lose cool, what then?

The snail.

What a joy! Heartfelt and emotive, great for learning about empathy.

The new hardback edition with bookmarking ribbon is a wonderful book to have and that is why I and others in the family keep reading it again and again.

Written by Toon Tellegen is a Dutch writer, poet, and physician, known for children’s books, especially those featuring anthropomorphised animals. The illustrator, Jessica Ahlberg studied at Winchester School of Art and illustrated many books for children. She lives in Brighton and is the daughter of Janet and Allen Ahlberg.

Published by Boxer Books, this edition is an excellent part of their increasing and beautiful portfolio.

Sue Martin Children’s Literacy Specialist

Whose Tracks In The Snow? By Alexandra Milton

By The Book Monitor team

On November 30, 2022

In Boxer Books, Featured children's book

Author &Illustrator of Who is in the Egg?…

A great natural history picture book introducing children to animal tracks.

In the huge big field, there are tracks in the snow. Who left the tracks in the huge, big field? A fast-running hare, speeding back to his home. Or is it hares or ducks, foxes or deer?

An informative and special picture book by Alexandra Milton. Studying Art and English in Paris before moving to England and working as a primary school teacher, Alexandra is now a full time illustrator and successful author. The illustrations are captivating and perfectly represent fields and countryside in the snow. On each page there is a clue in the corner guiding you to the possible animal.

A great resource for discovery and a charming book for all interested in nature.

Published by Boxer Books on 3^rd November 2022, Whose Tracks in the Snow joins a wonderfully enchanting portfolio of children’s books.

A perfect book to buy at Christmas or any time through the winter.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

Mike Falls Up by Candy Gourlay & illustrated by Carles Ballesteros

By The Book Monitor team

On November 23, 2022

In Little Tiger Press, The Book Monitor, Featured children's book

Part of the Colour Fiction series from Little Tiger Press, an engaging series of short stories for new readers emerging into chapter books. The books are wonderful, they are beautifully bound with high quality paper and they fit into small hands. Each page has engaging illustrations from well known illustrators with clear and bold text.

I love this new series from Little Tiger Press, they make perfect books for young children at the first stages of independent reading at schools and at home.

This blog is the first of four in this series.

Mike and his dog Bowow are relaxing in the Chocolate Hills when the ground starts to tremble and the next moment a gaping hole appears. Before Mike can stop him, Bowow jumps into the hole. Then a note floats up…

Party.
Come now.
Just fall up.

There’s no time to wonder what it means – Mike jumps in and falls into the most topsy-turvy of adventures. A joyous story celebrating the power of unexpected friendships by award-winning author Candy Gourlay, beautifully brought to life with stunning illustrations by Carles Ballesteros.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

Midnight Magic by Michelle Harrison & illustrated by Elissa Elwick

By The Book Monitor team

On November 22, 2022

In Little Tiger Press, Featured children's book

Midnight and Trixie are very best friends…

Black cats born at midnight
Are different indeed
A mischievous, odd
And peculiar breed

A bewitching new series from the best-selling author of A PINCH OF MAGIC, Michelle Harrison. Told in rhyming verse and illustrated in colour throughout by Elissa Elwick. This is perfect for readers of SQUISHY MCFLUFF, HUBBLE BUBBLE and GOBBOLINO.

In the middle of winter, three kittens are born in a barn. Two are ordinary, but the third, jet black and born on the stroke of midnight, is brimming with magic from whiskers to tail – even sparking life into a dusty old broomstick! While her siblings pounce at rats, Midnight perfects her flying skills on the broom, not noticing how her mother disapproves of her magical ways…

When Midnight finds herself abandoned, the little black kitten sets out to find a new home with only her loyal broom Twiggy at her side. The pair soon befriend a kind-hearted girl called Trixie. But how will Trixie’s family react to Midnight’s extraordinary powers and taste for mischief?

Stunning new series of early chapter books from Little Tiger Press, beautifully bound and on top quality paper, with full illustrations on every page. A great way to encourage new readers into books.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

The Hat Full of Secrets by Karl Newson & Illustrated by Wazza Pink

By The Book Monitor team

On November 17, 2022

In Little Tiger Press, Featured children's book

*Part of the Colour Fiction Series from Little Tiger Press…*

Henry’s got a secret … a big one! And he doesn’t know what to do with it. Grandpa suggests he should keep it under his hat – and he’s got just the hat for the job. But when Henry puts it on he discovers that Grandpa has some secrets of his own!

A lyrical and heart-warming story celebrating the magical bond between a child and a grandparent, with full colour illustrations on every page.

Karl Newson is an inspiring author, as in the first words of the book...’ Henry Pepper didn’t ask for it. He didn’t wish it. He didn’t even dream it up. But there was a secret’…

Illustrator is Wazza Pink , interesting article from Vietcetera. Her images are captivating and create an atmosphere which does so much more than just fit with the text.

I love this new series from Little Tiger Press, they make perfect books for young children at the first stages of independent reading at schools and at home.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

The Bear Stylist by Steven Butler & illustrated by Jacob Souva

By The Book Monitor team

On November 17, 2022

In Featured children's book

Ludo comes from a long line of famous bear stylists. He loves giving his customers sensible haircuts, whether it’s a tidy trim or a perfect perm. Until Leonardo arrives in town. Soon Ludo’s clients are having their feathers flapped and their curls combed by him instead.

But only one bear can be named Bear Stylist Supreme…

A charming celebration of creativity and teamwork.

This is a delightful tale of the work of the best hair stylist on Crooked Mountain. Coming from a long line of Tubb’s family hair stylists, Ludo was in great demand, travelling between clients on his bicycle.

Steven Butler is the author, who also wrote the Diaries of Dennis the Menace and has a gift with words and unfolding characters.

Part of the Colour Fiction series from Little Tiger Press, an engaging series of short stories for new readers emerging into chapter books. The books are wonderful, they are beautifully bound with high quality paper and it well into smaller hands. Each page has engaging illustrations from well known illustrators and the text is clear and bold.

I love this new series from Little Tiger Press, they make perfect books for young children wanting to read schools and at home.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

Stories Across the World…

The Story Collector Series written & illustrated by Jane Ray.

By The Book Monitor team

On November 10, 2022

In Boxer Books, Featured children's book

‘*The perfect gift to make a child’s imagination soar!’ Shirley Hughes OBE*

Stunning books in paperback gift design covers . Their eye catching design and illustrations are wonderful. They are compelling and intriguing, The stories know by many are brought to life and will stay with you forever. Three books newly published by Boxer Books on 27^th October 2022.

The Emperor’s Nightingale and Other Feathery Tales This is the first extraordinary volume of tales collected, retold and illustrated by Jane Ray, one of the world’s leading artists of stunning picture books. It includes many favourites such as The Happy Prince, The Owl and The Pussy Cat, and lesser known, but equally enjoyable stories such as Jorinda and Joringel.

*Whale Song, Ballad of John Silver and many more…*

The Little Mermaid and Other Fishy Tales

The second magnificent volume of tales collected, retold and illustrated by Jane Ray. It includes something for everyone: The Fisherman and His Wife; Whalesong; The Lobster Quadrille, A Ballad of John Silver and many more.

The Lion and the Unicorn and Other Hairy Tales

The third volume in Jane Ray’s stunning story collection featuring The Lion and The Unicorn, Brer Wolf, The Singing Ringing Tree, Theseus and the Minotaur and many more. Beautifully illustrated and designed with stories that keep you turning the pages. A perfect gift.

Jane Ray has been illustrating and writing children’s books for 25 years and has a special interest in folk and fairy tales. As well as her wonderful picture books she has designed cards and book jackets plus fabrics for Liberty. In 2018, she was nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.

If you are looking for gifts for Christmas these books are perfect for young and older too.

If you are in education Jane has a myriad of activities and information will can be shared and enable the perfect back drop for enabling sharing of myths and legends or for creating your own stories.

Sue Martin Children’s Literacy Specialist

Stories across the world…

AFRICANA

By The Book Monitor team

On October 20, 2022

In Children's books, Featured children's book, Quarto KNows, WideEyed Editions

An incredibly beautiful book packed with fascinating nuggets of information about the largest continent in the world.

Wide Eyed Editions an imprint of Quarto Knows, publish stunning books and Africana is one of the best examples of a book expertly produced which makes a wonderful gift in a school library or home coffee table. Aimed at children, the book will be well read by parents too.

Discover the incredible history and diversity of the African continent in all its splendour with this beautifully illustrated and fact-filled encyclopaedia.

This fascinating and beautiful book is divided into broad geographical sections which celebrate and showcase the peoples, landscapes and wildlife from different regions of this great continent, and bright and bold illustrations bring these facts to life.

Learn about the astonishing history of the continent, as the birthplace of the very first human beings, through rich historical civilisations such as the ancient Egyptians, the Benin Empire and the Kingdom of Kush, up to the development of the dynamic cities of the modern day.

Africana explores:

The beautiful visual cultures and artwork from across Africa, including the the printed cottons of Guinea and the mud cloth of Mali
Famous figures from African history and modern-day change makers
The incredible landscapes and wildlife of the continent, ranging from the deserts of the north, the rainforests of the central regions and the savannahs of the south

Featuring a stunning copper foil–detailed cover, this large-format book is packed with maps, timelines and much, much more to open your eyes to the beauty and brilliance of this diverse continent.

Kim Chakanetsa is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and producer from Zimbabwe. She joined the BBC in 2013 after working for CNN International and Associated Press. She has also worked on a number of documentaries for the World Service. When not in the studio, Kim likes attempting complex recipes.

Lagos-based multidisciplinary illustrator, Mayowa Alabi’s work is inspired by his childhood obsessions—African folklore and Afrofuturism. A graphic designer and photographer with over seven years of professional design experience, Mayowa previously worked as the Creative Lead at Co-Creation Hub Nigeria before taking on his current role as a visual artist for the BBC.

This amazing book has taught me so much about the vastness of Africa and its wide diversity and incredible history and topography.

Sue Martin Children’s Literacy Specialist

An Atlas of Lost Kingdoms illustrated by Lauren Baldo and written by Emily Hawkins

By The Book Monitor team

On October 18, 2022

In Featured children's book, Quarto KNows, WideEyed Editions

*Mythical Lands, Lost Cities and Vanished Islands…*

This is my kind of book! Packed with fascinating information and illustrations about intriguing lost worlds. At the start of each section in the world there are illustrated maps which help to place and define the lost kingdoms across the planet.

On this quest around the world, you will discover lost kingdoms, phantom islands and even legendary continents once sought by explorers but now believed to be mythical.

From a favourite publishing imprint Wide Eyed Books part of the Quarto Knows group, the hardback non fiction book makes a wonderful present and also a long lasting favourite for any school or library.

For centuries, people have dreamed of finding the lost worlds of Atlantis, El Dorado and the Seven Cities of Gold. As well as shedding light on these famously elusive places, this atlas contains maps and captivating illustrations to illuminate lesser-known destinations, from the lost island of Hy-Brasil to the desert city of Zerzura. You will learn about rich mythologies from different cultures, from the Aztecs to the ancient Britons, from the Greek legends to Japanese folklore.

Most of the places in this book have never been found, but within these pages you will succeed where the adventurers of the past were thwarted. Learn about ancient maps, age-old manuscripts and cryptic carvings that reveal clues to the whereabouts of these lost kingdoms. The journey will transport you to thoroughly other-worldly places.

Once a children’s book editor, Emily Hawkins is now a full-time author. Her work has been featured on the New York Times bestseller list (Oceanology, 2009) as well as winning the Children’s Travel Book of the Year Award (Atlas of Animal Adventures, 2016). Emily has a strong interest in myth, folklore and storytelling and holds a first-class English degree from Nottingham University, living in Winchester, UK.

Lauren Baldo is an illustrator based in the Philippines. He has worked as a storyboard artist, comic artist, graphic designer, and children’s book illustrator.

An Atlas of Lost Kingdoms is my book on the sofa for the next few nights. It will give me inspiration and ideas about areas which may have been lost, may be myth and in many cases simply true but forgotten.

Sue Martin Children’s Literacy Specialist

Twigs by Joy Cowley and Gavin Bishop March 25, 2025
Snake and Lizard live together in a burrow in the desert. They are such good friends that Lizard decides to display their names above the burrow entrance. But three small words can cause trouble between friends. They must decide whose name should appear first. Then Lizard makes an unfortunate spelling mistake—he thinks it’s very funny […]
The Dolphin
Little Rhino Lost By Candy Gourlay & Jamie Bauza March 17, 2025
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Easter by Nancy Dickmann & Illustrated by Emma Randall March 11, 2025
A super new book about Easter and why it is an important Christian Festival from Words & Pictures, part of the Quarto Group. Sam and his siblings are inviting you to celebrate with them! Join in as they prepare in the lead-up to the festival, bake Easter treats, dye eggs, attend Church, spot Spring flowers and […]
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So Tired, So Wide Awake by Susanne Strasser March 8, 2025
The trouble with getting to sleep with so many distractions is beautifully described in words and illustrations. Super little story for tired little ones( and bigger too!) It's bedtime. Hedgehog, Fox, Donkey, Pelican and Crocodile are so tired! But Seal needs to use the bathroom--slip slap slip, out the door. Crocodile forgot to clean those […]
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Little Gwen, Rescue Hen, Written and illustrated by Carol Thompson February 18, 2025
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My Mum by Susan Quinn and Sarah Mathew February 14, 2025
My Mum is a beautifully illustrated, stereotype-busting celebration of all the everyday things one child's mum does to make her so wonderfully awesome! My Mum says that when I arrived I was like a star drifting down from the sky and into her life. The story follows mother and child from before the child is […]
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Free as a Bird By Barroux October 29, 2024
A story of love, care and rescue from internationally acclaimed picture book creator, Barraux. It is the story of fleeing... from all you have known and landing into the unknown. But on the way you may need some help! One day Jonas the lighthouse keeper and his friend Blue the whale rescue a tired, bedraggled […]
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We Can! Make a Difference by Alexandra Strick, Illustrated by Steve Antony October 20, 2024
Join 15 diverse children in an inspirational 'We Can!' festival. Real children helped to create this book, to show the kind of world they would like to live in. A safer, greener, kinder place – can we make a difference.? This brilliant follow-up to You Can! gives a resounding 'Yes!' This is a book full […]
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The Story Orchestra Musical Puzzle, Carnival of the Animals Illustrated by Jessica Courtney-Tickle October 18, 2024
Discover the magical world of Carnival of the Animals in this musical reimagining of this celebrated suite for children – push the button in each breathtaking scene to hear the vivid sound of an orchestra playing from Camille Saint-Saëns’ score. One day, two brothers discover a magical animal kingdom behind their bookcase. They are greeted by the royal […]
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A Home that means the World by Victoria Turnbull October 2, 2024
A Home that means the World is a book full of compassion. A wonderful book with beautifully delicate illustrations about a world of turmoil. The story moves slowly on and takes you into a world of chaos where home is always the best place. Flora slept and woke. She felt sun And wind And every […]
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