Two Picture Books - New for 2014
“Suvi and the Sky Folk” by Sandra Horn, illustrated by Muza
Ulasowski
“How to Catch a Dragon” by Caryl Hart, illustrated by Ed
Eaves
Reviewed by Pauline Chandler
New for 2014 are these two contrasting picture books, one thoroughly
grounded in a family life, when Albie visits the library with his Mum, and the
other blending a Scandinavian folk tale with the favourite ‘I’m scared! Where’s
Mummy?’ narrative, as used in such popular stories as ‘Owl Babies’ and ‘Come On,
Daisy’.
Sandra Horn’s story, “Suvi and the Sky Folk”
is a delight. Suvi, the baby reindeer, struggles to survive with the rest of
the herd, on scarce food supplies, during the ‘long dark’ of winter. Her mother
warns her to stay close, but, entranced by the Northern Lights and startled by
a long loud howl, Suvi bounds away from the herd and is soon lost. When the
wolf threatens her, then suddenly disappears, Suvi recalls Grand-deer’s tale of
the Sky Folk who dance in the Northern Lights and snatch away earthbound creatures.
She is certain that the Sky Folk have taken the wolf. Restored to the herd, Suvi recounts her
adventure. The truth is a little different from Grand-deer’s story. Nothing to
worry young readers though: Old Wolf survives his fall.
There is so much to enjoy in this lovely tale. The text is
simple but lyrical. Winter is the ‘long dark’. Predators are ‘yellow eyes and
sharp teeth” who come ‘slinking’. On the ground shines the light from a
‘scattering of stars’. There’s humour too, in Suvi’s conversations with the
other creatures on the tundra, and there’s also factual information about the
lives of the animals of the north. This is a beautifully written adventure
story with a satisfying ending, which young children will love.
The illustrations complement the text perfectly, with the
focus on Suvi’s face and expressions, inviting the reader to engage with her
feelings throughout. Highly recommended for children aged 5-7. Available now
from Sandra Horn’s website: www.tattybogle.co.uk
and from Tate Publishing, from Feb 9th.
2014.
‘How
To Catch a Dragon’ is another of Caryl Hart’s riotous romps through childhood.
Like Shirley Hughes, she focuses on everyday experiences that children share,
told through a child’s eyes. Albie has to draw a dragon for his homework, but
he’s not sure where to start. He’s never seen a dragon. When Mum calls him to
go with her to the library, Albie takes his drawing along. Maybe he’ll find
some ideas in the library. He makes a new friend, whose imagination takes them
into an amazing adventure with a grizzly bear, a hairy troll, knights and,
finally, dragons! Albie soon finishes his homework.
‘How to Catch a
Dragon’ is a laugh-out-loud book that children will love. It has a serious
message though, about libraries and about friendship, with Albie and his friend
looking out for each other on this shared adventure. It’s a perfect read-aloud
book, with plenty of opportunities for funny voices and sound effects. Ed
Eaves’s eye-catching illustrations are bright, colourful and full of action and
humour. Highly recommended for children aged 5-7
Pauline Chandler
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3 comments:
Both picture books sound so attractive, Pauline!
Oh, these sound lovely! And I'm always on the lookout for new picture books that families won't already have at home. Thanks for these recommendations, Pauline.
As you can tell, I loved them both!
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