#MMBBR #Review #ChildrensBooks #PictureBooks #SpringTitles @mediamastersbks

 

While You're Sleeping by Mick Jackson and illustrated by John Broadley (2/2021; ISBN: 978-1843654650; Hardcover $19.95; Ages 4-8; 40 pages) is a beautifully illustrated picture book about what happens at night time by a Booker shortlisted author.

There's a whole world of activity out there while we're asleep in our beds, from bakers preparing bread and cakes and firefighters waiting patiently for a call, to hospitals caring for those who are ill and postal workers sorting our mail. There is also wildlife such as foxes foraging, bats flying, and owls hunting for prey. And around the world there are children who are playing, learning, eating, and reading while we're tucked up asleep.

Perfect for bedtime, this book opens up a whole world of wonder and imagination for children and provides solace if they wake in the early hours. In his first children's book, illustrator John Broadley works in a limited palette, moving from soft dusk colors to warm dawn tones. 

REVIEW: This book is an adventure of night and all the things that happen when most of us are sleeping. This book is a way to create conversations with your young reader about all the roles that exist that make the world go round. Such a pretty book too! A super original and fun book!!!

The Greatest Show Penguin by Lucy Freegard (2/2021; ISBN: 978-1-84365-483-4; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 3-6; 32 pages) is a heartwarming story about overcoming fears and the meaning of success

Poppy the Penguin comes from a long line of circus performers. Many skills have been passed down from penguin to penguin. However, Poppy soon decides that performing in the family circus is not for her, as she prefers to feel calm and in control. But the hardest thing is not juggling, or riding a unicycle--it's telling her mum that she doesn't want to perform any more. Her bravery is worth it when Poppy discovers a better role--organizing and coordinating the whole show. And what a show it turns out to be! This tale of overcoming shyness and lack of confidence is both a funny and sensitive parody of the record-breaking movie The Greatest Showman, and a celebration of girl power!

REVIEW: This is a great book to read with our children who are active in activities. There are times when our young ones no longer feel the drive to do the things that they have always done. This book always young readers to discover that there are many ways to stay involved. A great book to create dialogue and space for children to share how they are really feeling about their activities. In addition to the wonderful story, the illustrations are beautiful; so bright and vibrant!

Alone! by Barry Falls (3/2021; ISBN: 978-1843654858; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 3-6; 32 pages) is a richly illustrated laugh-out-loud tale with a gentle message.

There once was a boy called Billy McGill
who lived by himself at the top of a hill.
He spent every day in his house all alone
for Billy McGill liked to be on his own...

One day Billy hears the squeak of a mouse, which destroys his peaceful existence. So he gets a cat to catch the mouse. But the cat and the mouse make friends. So he gets a dog to chase the cat. But they all play together. So then he gets a bear... then a tiger... and on it goes, until Billy's house is so filled with animals that he has to move out. Will he find that he still craves peace and quiet, or is it better to have company and friends? This a laugh-out-loud story of growing chaos, with a subtle message about how it's good to have friends.

REVIEW: A beautiful story about friendship and love, but also about self care and knowing what you need to be happy! A delightful story about earning to find balance in life! Beautifully told with beautiful illustrations.

The Last Tree by Emily Haworth-Booth (3/2021; ISBN: 978-1843654841; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 4-8; 32 pages) is hailed as a "thought-provoking picture book" by Guardian and "beautifully executed" by The Sunday Times.

This second picture book from Waterstones Children's Book Prize nominee Emily Haworth-Booth is an eco-fable with the feel of an instant classic, while also being topical in the current environmental and political climate.

The story follows a group of friends seeking a place to call home. The desert was too hot, the valley too wet, and the mountain too windy, but the forest was perfect. The friends soon wanted to build shelters, which became large houses. All too soon they wanted to control the environment and built a huge wooden wall around the community, which shut out the wind, but also created problems. And gradually the forest became thinner, until there was only one last tree standing. It was down to the children to find a solution...

REVIEW: In loved this book so much. It was one of those books that tugs at the heart and fires up your spirit. It is a book about caring, being hopeful and doing what you think is right. It is about the environment and how we interact with it. Such a beautiful book with a big lesson.