Tom's Magnificent Machines by Linda Sarah - illustrated by Ben Mantle - reviewed by Damian Harvey

Here's a lovely review from (usually) star school viiting author Damian Harvey, discovered in the archives today. Thank you, Damian. (Ed.)

Seeing this book in the library I thought it was new, thought it's actually been around for a while now. After reading it I thought it was well worth bringing to your attention if, like me, you missed it when it when it was published. 

Tom lives with his dad in a lovely house by the side of a lake. They love making things together, especially things that move. What started with a simple go-kart pulled with string soon moved on to much bigger things and the house is filled with inventions – including a roller coaster with bath tub cars. But most of all, Tom’s dad works hard to ensure that the house is filled with fun and laughter. On the walls we see pictures of Tom’s Mum and Dad graduating, getting married, and holding baby Tom. But other than in the pictures, there’s no Mum to be seen.

When Tom’s Dad loses his job, a change comes over the house and Tom feels that he’s lost his ‘funny, smiling dad.” Things go from bad to worse when Dad announces that they will have to leave their house but Tom is determined to do something. Together they change their house into ‘The Museum of Vehicles Made From Things Not Usually Used For Making Vehicles’ and people come from far and wide to see all of the weird and wonderful inventions that the two have made.
Just when things seem to be getting better, and Dad announces that they can stay in their house, a huge whirlwind strikes and destroys everything. “Why can’t good things ever stay the way they are? Thought Tom.”
But Tom and Dad aren’t about to give up yet as they have one more idea up their sleeves…
 Linda Sarah has written a beautiful story that is full of hope, love, the joy the imagination and the determination to never, ever give up on your dream of happiness. Ben Mantle's detailed artwork perfectly compliments the story and brings it alive.

Reviewed by Damian Harvey

www.damianharvey.co.uk

Twitter @damianjharvey

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Star In Your Own Story - from Little Tiger Press - Reviewed by Damian Harvey

Little Tiger Press have just published four books under the 'Star In Your Own Story' banner. Two aimed at children from 1 - 3 and two aimed slightly higher at 3 - 6 year olds.

'The Ballerina' and 'The Firefighter', both written and illustrated by Danielle McLean and Sebastian Braun respectively, are aimed at 1 - 3 year old. These are solid, sturdy board books with rounded corners to prevent any injury for very young children that like to really sink their teeth into a book. A cardboard insert in the cover can be removed so that the child's name can be added - thus personalising them. Each of these titles contain a single line of text and build nicely to the final conclusion/punchline. 

I like that 'The Firefighter' is gender neutral so can appeal to boys and girls - rather than calling it The Fireman. Unfortunately this isn't the case with 'The Ballerina' which has a couple of 'her' references in the text. 

The titles aimed at the slightly older age range of 3 - 6 year olds work very well and provide more for the reader. 'Drives and Digger' - written by Danielle McLean and illustrated by Kathryn Selbert, and 'Saves the Day' - written by Georgiana Deutsch and illustrated by Vicki Gausden are nice sized hardbacked picture books.

Rather than simply writing your name on a cardboard insert, these two titles come with a sheet of brightly coloured stick on letters. In 'Drives a Digger' the crocodile hero of the story likes nothing better than digging holes with the big yellow digger. When  something is discovered buried under the ground, the digger gets broken. Our hero has uncovered a huge treasure chest - perhaps there's something inside that can help. 

The fourth book, 'Saves the Day' features a plucky squirrel superhero 'looking for an adventure'. Wolf comes running along calling for help as there's something making a terrible noise in the forest - and 'it might be a monster.' Delighted at the chance of having adventure, our hero heads off towards the forest, meeting other worried and frightened animals along the way. The search for a monster in the forest soon turns into a rescue mission and needless to say, the hero saves the day. 'Saves the Day' is nicely illustrated and story reads well - young children will love having the character named after them.  

 Thanks to Little Tiger Press for sending me these books to review...

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Ducktective Quack and the Cake Crime Wave by Claire Freedman and Mike Byrne - reviewed by Damian Harvey

I love a picture book that will appeal to older readers (and listeners) and Ducktective Quack and the Cake Crime Wave will do just that. Claire Freedman's rhyming text works well and keeps the story moving along nicely and is perfectly complimented by Mike Byrne's detailed, witty illustrations which give the reader plenty to look at.

There's a thief in town - someone has been steeling cakes and doughnuts from the cafe's - and it's up to Ducktective Quack to get to the bottom of it. What makes this book work well is the fact that the reader is encouraged to get involved and help Ducktective Quack in her investigations by spotting the clues.

At the Police Station there is already a board full of evidence and clues that Ducktective Quack has gathered but as the book progresses, the reader is presented with more clues and red herrings hidden on every page. Along with the clues are little notes to encourage the reader to think about what they have seen as they try to find out who is responsible for the cake crime wave.

The first reading of this book (and solving of the crime) will undoubtedly provide children with the most entertainment, however, the text is good enough to stand many re reads and each page is so full of detail that children will undoubtedly enjoy going over it time and time again.  

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Monty & Sylvester A Tale of Everyday Super Heroes by Carly Gledhill - reviewed by Damian Harvey

Monty + Sylvester A Tale of Everyday Super Heroes is Carly Gledhill's first picture book for Orchard Books. I missed this when it came last year but thought it worth bringing to the attention of readers before the second Monty + Sylvester book is published later this year... 

Monty is a small mouse and Sylvester is a big bear. While this might seem like an unlikely paring for a friendship, their unique strengths and abilities combine and compliment each other perfectly. When we first meet the two, we learn that they are Super Heroes (In Training) - Monty is reading the superhero manual and Sylvester is working out. Once they have prepared themselves it's just a matter of time - waiting until somebody needs their help.

When the phone finally rings, the two heroes are ready to embark on their first mission - rescuing a stubborn cat that's stuck up a tree. Unfortunately, there was nothing in the manual about rescuing cats from trees but the ever resourceful Monty has an idea and puts their 'trusty vacuum cleaner' to good use. The plucky heroes quickly dispatch more villains with their super powered vacuum cleaner and it seems that nothing is too big or too small for them. Until,  that is, they come face to face with a rat determined to give them a taste of their own medicine. At first it appears that the bad guy might have won, but with a bang everything turns around for a happy ending and a message about the strength and importance of friendship. 

Young children love superheroes and it's good to have a picture book that can satisfy their craving without resorting to Spandex and Lycra (Sylvester's pants are invisible). The slightly chaotic style and layout of this book is almost comic book like with it's use of speech bubbles and blurbs etc. While the style doesn't necessarily lend itself to reading out loud to a class, it does make it good for children to pore over, picking out details so will have appeal to some older picture book readers.  

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Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor by Patricia Valdez and Felicita Sala - reviewed by Damian Harvey

This is a great picture book for older readers to enjoy and will have lots of appeal for children with an interest in animals - especially reptiles. While the life story of an early 20^th century zoologist is not a subject that you would normally expect from a picture book, Patricia Valdez and Felicita Sala have made it work very well. 

‘Joan Proctor Dragon Doctor’, tells the story of Jean Beauchamp Proctor, a British zoologist (herpetologist) born in London in 1897. Joan developed a keen interest in reptiles and amphibians from a very early age and by the time she was ten she was keeping snakes and lizards as pets. For her sixteenth birthday she was given a baby crocodile as a present, which she then took to school… delighting her friends and no doubt worrying the teachers. 

Joan's life and work is interesting enough, but children reading this will discover that that, although she was good student, ill health prevented her from achieving the academic qualifications that she might otherwise have done. This, however, didn’t stop Joan from working towards and achieving her goals... something that children that may struggle with exams can find inspiration from. 

In her teens, Joan frequently visited the Natural History Museum whee her keen interest and knowledge of reptiles brought her to the attention of the curator of reptiles and fish, who soon recognised Joan’s ability and hired her as an assistant. Joan surveyed the collections, published scientific papers and also created models and drawings for the exhibits. When London Zoo decided to update their reptile house they called on Joan’s expertise to design the perfect habitat. The dragons referred to in the book’s title are Komodo dragons and at the time Joan was designing the reptile house stories of some huge man eating lizards living on the island of Komodo had emerged. It was said that these creatures were faster than a car and stronger than an ox, but Joan wasn’t frightened … she wanted to study them for herself. Joan found that the dragons weren’t as fierce as many people had thought and developed a strong bond with one in particular, often walking with it around London Zoo.

The story of Joan Proctor and her pioneering work makes for good and entertaining reading. The author, Patricia Valdez is an American scientist who, as well as writing for children, works at the National Institute for Health in Washington DC and her passion for the subject matter clearly comes through. Children will be drawn to this book because of its lizards, snakes and, of course, the dragons which have all been wonderfully illustrated by Felicita Sala in a style that perfectly fits the time period. A great introduction to the life and work of a pioneering woman who is often overlooked.          

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The Pirates of Scurvy Sands by Jonny Duddle - reviewed by Damian Harvey

The Jolly Rogers make a welcome return in Jonny Duddle's latest picture book, The Pirates of the Scurvy Sands. Matilda lives in the modern day seaside town of Dull-on-Sea where it's bleak in midwinter but full of folk in the summer, playing on the beach and in the arcades.
Unlike most children Matilda has a young pirate boy named Jim Lad as a pen friend so she gets to go on exciting pirate adventures with him and the rest of the Jolly Roger family on their pirate ship.

When Matilda receives a message in a bottle from Jim (he doesn't have a mobile phone so it's the only way they can keep in touch) she learns that the Jolly Rogers are going on a special pirate trip and will be picking her up in the morning. Luckily, Matilda's Mum and Dad know that the pirates "aren't so bad" so they are happy to let her go with them to Scurvy Sands, a holiday resort that's only for pirates.

It doesn't take long for the other pirates children and their parents to realise that there's something not quit right about Matilda. She's too clean and polite, she doesn't eat shark's brains or maggoty biscuits. Her teeth are shiny and white and even her hair smells nice. Matilda has to do something to prove that she's not a land lubber so she leads Jack in a search for Mad Jack McMuddle's treasure.

The rhyming text for this book never seems forced - it's spot on and made for reading out loud. Children will love the familiar pirate themes and the way they have been cleverly mixed with the modern day.

This picture book was a year in the making and it's easy to understand why. Every page is packed with beautifully detailed illustrations - there's a big double page fold out spread and even a treasure map. This book will be great to share with a class...  

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Inky's Great Escape by Casey Lyall, illustrated by Sebastia Serra - reviewed by Damian Harvey

Octopus's are well known to be great escape artists and in 2016, Inky, an octopus at an aquarium in New Zealand made the news when he escaped from his tank, crossed the floor and returned to the ocean via a drain.

Canadian author and librarian, Casey Lyall, has taken this news story and built upon it very nicely for her first picture book - "Inky's Great Escape - The Incredible (and mostly true) Story of an Octopus Escape."

We are told that Inky is the greatest escape octopus of all time. and had slithered out of every trap every invented - and lived to tell the tale. Inky loves telling tales...

Feeling tired from all of his escaping, Inky decides to retire to the local aquarium for a rest. In his tank, Inky spends the day playing games of hide and seek and charades with his tank-mate Blotchy. At night they play cards (crazy eights) and Inky tells tales of all his great escapes. Having spent his entire life in the aquarium, Blotchy understandably finds it hard to believe his friends wild tales so bets him that he can't escape from the aquarium. Inky agrees to the bet and declares that it will be his "biggest escape yet".

While Blotchy feels sure that escaping will be impossible, Inky knows better. From all his years of escaping from traps her has learnt that you need careful planning and patience - so he sets about drawing up his plans. When the time come, Inky makes his escape and asks Blotchy to join him on the great adventure. Blotchy refuses the offer - after all, it's "Fondue Friday".

After Inky escapes, Blotchy is left with a tale of his own to tell to the new arrivals at the aquarium and justifies his staying behind with the thought that someone had to do so to tell the tale.

The text in this picture book is slightly longer than in many other so will be ideal for an older audience to share. Children will also enjoy Sebastia Serra's illustrations which are bright, detailed and lots of fun. It will also be interesting to discuss Inky and Blotchy’s motives for doing what they do - Inky's boasting and escaping compared with Blotchy's reluctance to join him

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Bonkers About Beetroot, by Cath Jones, illustrated by Chris Jevons - reviewed by Damian harvey

Published by Maverick books, Bonkers About Beetroot is a big, bold picture book written by Cath Jones and brightly illustrated by Chris Jevons.

With nobody coming to visit, Sunset Safari Park is doomed and something has to be done. Zebra is determined to save the park but ever cynical Penguin thinks he's wasting his time. 

"Nobody comes because we're boring," says Penguin. But Zebra is still determined so they all go in search of visitors.  

They don't find any visitors, but Zebra has an idea. "Beetroot!" he yells. For some inexplicable reason, Zebra thinks that people are "crazy about beetroot" and is sure that if they grow the biggest beetroot in the world, people will all come to see it. Needless to say, Penguin thinks that this idea is "bonkers" - but Zebra tries anyway.

The animals make a huge manure mountain, plant their beetroot seeds, water them and watch them grow. They soon see that one beetroot is growing bigger than the others. In fact it grows so much that hundreds of visitors come to the safari park to see it. It seems that Zebra's plan has worked but the beetroot keeps on growing and before long it takes over the whole park so that there's no room for visitors anymore. Once again, something has to be done - this time, to get rid of the giant beetroot - and Zebra knows just what to do. And once again, Penguin thinks the idea is "bonkers!" 

In Bonkers About Beetroot, Cath Jones has written a great story about the determination to succeed and achieve what you want despite other people's negative attitudes, and Chris Jevons's artwork really brings it to life. As with other picture books form Maverick, it's size and distinctive square shape make it ideal for sharing with a little one by your side, but it will also be a good one to read aloud in class as children will love it - finding lots to laugh at along the way.  

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Tommy Donbavand's Funny Shorts - Reviewed by Damian Harvey

I'm sure that you're already familiar with many of Tommy Donbavand's books - including his popular Scream Street series, but did you know he has Funny Shorts? If not, then you're missing a treat.

Published by Franklin Watts in their Edge series, Tommy Donbavand's Funny Shorts are perfect for reluctant young readers and they nicely bridge a gap between reading schemes and bigger chapter books, (usefully for teachers and parents, each book has a book band noted on the back).  Each book consists of up 62 pages divided into 4 to 7 chapters. All of the books are funny and well written (as you would expect from Tommy - he certainly knows what he's doing) there are some double pages of text but most pages contain bright, cartoon style illustrations.

 

Duck! - illustrated by Phil Corbett

When old age pensioners, Norah and Tom, throw bread to the ducks they don't have any idea what they are about to set into motion. It isn't normal bread they are throwing... containing 'Omega 33' this is 'Bread To Make You Brainy. Most of the bread gets eaten by a big drake with a funny little moustache who uses a stick to fend off the other hungry ducks. While Tom and Norah make their way home, there is no one there to see the Drake step out of the water and smile as he surveys the human world. 

Six months later, there are posters of Drake hanging in every street and the whole country has been taken over by his feathery army who 'duck step' along the road. Human slaves are forced to work in Drake's factory where they make more of the Omega 33 bread for the ducks. It's down to Jasmine and Luke Viccars, and a small human resistance force to save the day. But can they put 'Operation Bake-Off' into action and triumph over Drake and his feathered army, or will the ducks and the 'Mallard Youth' stop them?
Mr Granny Bit My Bum - illustrated by Lee Robinson

Everyone knows what happens when you get bitten by a werewolf, but nothing could have prepared Billy for what would happen to him after being bitten on the bum by his Granny's flying false teeth. 

Walking to school with his friend the next morning, Billy goes through an unexpected change. His spine twists and bends forward, his hair changes colour and even his clothes change. One minute he's wearing his school uniform and the next he's dressed as an old woman and carrying a huge handbag. Not only does Billy look like a granny but he talks and acts like one too. It doesn't take Billy and his friend long to realise that he's turned into a were-granny, though they have no idea what triggers the change or when it will happen. Read on to find out what happens when Billy turns into a were-granny in his classroom and how he stands up to a couple of thugs determined to steal money form the local post office.  

Viking Kong - illustrated by Leo Trinidad

While young Erik sits with King Harald, his twin sister, Freya, is with Queen Ingrid as she shouts and curses during the birth of the royal baby. When the baby is born, King Harald proudly presents him and announces that he is Prince Olaf - future leader of the Poowiff Clan - then he and the baby crash through the wooden floor.

Prince Olaf is a huge baby. He drinks milk straight from the cow. He is too big to fit inside the village huts and on his second birthday he is given a full sized Viking longboat to play with as he sits in the bay. Nappy changes are a huge and terrible job, but when Olaf blows out the flaming tree candles on his birthday cake and sets the entire village on fire the elders decide that Prince Olaf is too dangerous to have around. Before Olaf is banished from the village, Erik and Freya step in and take him away - intending to look after and protect him. Things don't quite go according to plan though and when Erik and his sister wake up one morning to find baby Olaf missing they know there is only one place he could have gone... Home! But what will happen when Olaf gets there?       

Night Of The Toddlers - illustrated by Fran and David Brylewski

Professor Nigella Troppy has invented an amazing cream that, when rubbed on the skin, makes the user younger. Testing a little drop on herself she changes from a 59 year old woman to a glamorous 20 year old. Nigella is sure that all her hard work will get her promoted to Chief Scientist but she's furious to learn that her rival, Professor Fanton Smooth, has been promoted instead. As revenge, she gives Fanton a huge dose of the 'Born Again cream' which turns him into a toddler. 

When Bobby Savage and his sister Gail see Professor Troppy selling the amazing cream on a market stall they think it will make the perfect gift for Mum's birthday. Mum isn't impressed with the cream, or with anything else about her children it seems, but she spreads a dollop of cream onto her arm before going back to the party with her obnoxious husband and their friends. The twins are left to fend for themselves and go to bed with some toast. Despite the loud music from downstairs they fall asleep, only to be woken later by the sound of a baby crying. Going into the front room they find their parents and their friends have been turned into toddlers. As if this isn't bad enough, Bobby and Gail to discover that the effects of the cream have spread as far as Buckingham Palace and the Royal Family. Is there any way of reversing the effects of the cream or will Nigella Troppy really be the new Queen of England.  
These four titles have been out for a little while now but keep your eyes open for new titles coming soon - Invasion of Badger's Bottom, The Curious Case of the Panicky Parrot, The Dinner Ladies of Doom! and There's a Time Portal in my Pants!

I will certainly be looking out for them and recommending them to schools I visit - they're sure to be a scream...

Damian Harvey

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Stomp School by Jeff Norton - Illustrated by Leo Antolini - reviewed by Damian Harvey

How do little monsters learn to be good little monsters? They go to 'Stomp School' of course...

Rikki, the little kaiju (ky-joo) - from the Japanese: 'A strange beast' - loves building things with his bricks. When we first meet Rikki, he's just putting the finishing touches to his 'biggest, best city ever', and he can't wait to show his daddy. Unfortunately for Rikki, his little brother, Torik wants to play too - and we all know what monsters do to cities. Before Rikki has chance to stop him, Torik sends building bricks flying everywhere as he stomps, crushes and smashes the city to pieces. Torik has a great time, but Rikki isn't happy at all and stomps his foot on the floor.

On hearing this big stomp, Dad realises that it's time for Rikki to go to stomp school where he will get to play and interact with other little monsters.

Rikki feels nervous on his first day at Stomp School but he soon fits in with the other little kaiju and has them excitedly building a huge city together with all of the building blocks. As soon as they've finished of course, the other little monsters want to knock it down. Once again, Rikki is frustrated that he won't be able to show Dad what he's built and stomps his foot. Their teacher congratulates Rikki on his stomping but tells them that before they stomp, it's time to paint so that they can all show their parents what they have built. Rikki has lots of fun painting but when he's finished that quiet activity he's ready for a monster rampage and leads his new friends as they smash and crash the city together.

This picture book, written by Jeff Norton and illustrated by Leo Antolini is bold, bright, lots of fun and is sure to appeal to little monsters everywhere. A couple of cutaway pages, peep-through holes and a large fold out page add extra interest for young children, and they will love the different monsters - all of which have their own personal traits (nicely detailed on the title page).

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Nits and Grubby Cuddly Toys - Reviews by Damian Harvey

Nits and grubby, cuddly toys aren't always the most welcome of things but they can feature in the lives of all children so it seems only right to put these two picture books together here - especially as both books show them from a different viewpoint.

There's Only One Scruffle - Written and Illustrated by Robert Dunn

Stories about a child's favourite toy are nothing new but I do like the way that Robert Dunn has paired Ellie, a slightly precocious, mischievous looking little girl, with her cuddly toy. As with many a child's favourite cuddly toy, Scruffle is tatty and threadbare, he has only one eye and a "very curious smell." Mum and Dad just don't understand why she loves him so much.

When Mum attempts to replace Scruffle with a big, new bear that smell of strawberries, Ellie is less than impressed. Mum isn't happy when Ellie asks if the new bear can be kept in the bin, and wisely explains that Ellie should at least play with the new cuddly toy for a while as she "won't know what he's really like until you've spent a little time together."

Ellie thinks about what Mum has said as she drags the new bear around with her - finally agreeing that she would like to play with it after all - even though he doesn't smell as fresh as he did. Mum looks horrified at the new toy which, by this time is covered in paint, mud and who knows what else. When Ellie happily declares that she couldn't possibly play with the new bear now, Mum sighs and finally asks Ellie why she loves her old toy so much. Ellie is now able to echo Mum's words of wisdom and handing Scruffle to her says "Well you won't know what he's really like until you've spent a little time together, will you?"

Children will easily identify with Ellie and her favourite, much loved toy and this book will spark talking points for use in the classroom about children's own experiences. There are even suggested talking points at  the end of the book to help with this.


Nat's Naughty Nits - written by Giles Andreae and Illustrated by Jess Mikhail

Nits are even less popular than a child's much loved smelly toy but Giles Andreae and Jess Mikhail have produced a picture book here that might just help people see these unwanted pests in a slightly different light.

On the first page we are greeted by Nat, a friendly, if somewhat disheveled and grubby looking young boy, clutching a magnifying glass and a book about bugs. Nat is going into the garden and wants us to come and play with him. By contrast we can see Nat's sister, clean and fresh faced as she dances with a doll in one hand and a freshly picked flower in the other.

Nat's sister clearly doesn't have a care in the world, unlike Nat himself who, on the second page, has developed an itch. Nat quickly realises that he has got a nit and further inspection under his microscope reveals that his hair is full of them. If you aren't itching by this stage in the book, you soon will be. Giles Andreae and Jess Mikhail show us that nits don't just crawl around in your hair - to them your hair is a whole universe. There are nits playing chase and flying rockets into space. We see nits playing football, eating sweets, making pancakes and a whole host of things. Children will delight in seeing all of the things that nots get up to and will no doubt giggle at the thought of them playing kiss chase, sitting on the toilet and even seeing a shy looking "Nit[s] in the nuddy when there's no one else around."

Thankfully, Nat's Mum steps in "with her shampoo and her comb" and soon the nits have their bags packed and are heading home. But just where will they go?

Children will enjoy the simple rhyming text, bright illustrations and will certainly find lots to laugh at in this itch infested book.  

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Perfect by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Cathy Fisher - reviewed by Damian Harvey

Published by Graffeg, an independent Welsh publisher, and longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2017, this picture book may well have slipped past many people - and that would be a great shame.  Written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Cathy Fisher, Perfect is, in my opinion, just that - Perfect. 

The story itself is about the birth of a disabled baby, told from the point of view of the older sibling - but it's much more than that too. The young boy in the story loves the top floor room of their pointy little house. He loves watching the swifts that nest in the roof above the window and he loves watching as they swoop and fly around above their garden. All winter, the boy eagerly awaits their return - and this winter he also awaits the arrival of their new baby.

The baby arrives on the same day that the swifts return - racing and chasing each other, "screaming over the rooftops with the joy of being home." As the boy excitedly watches them he knows that this is how it will be with him and his little sister... "racing and chasing, screaming with laughter and delight." But when the baby comes home from the hospital, the boy realises that sadly, things won't be the way he had imagined. There will be no racing and chasing - instead, the baby just lies silently in her cot and looks at him. The boy finds it hard to come to terms with having a sister that's disabled. He's upset and doesn't know how to deal with the emotions that he feels, so instead of interacting with new baby, the boy turns away to hide his tears and stares up at the birds.

One morning the boy finds a little bird curled up in the grass. The bird looks looks weak, feeble and deformed but when he gently opens it wings he sees that it's perfect after all. The bird silently looks at him with its dark eyes and the boy thinks that perhaps it just needs a little help. Taking the bird up to his sister's room at the top of the house, the bird grips his finger tightly before finally spreading it's wings and flying from the window ledge.

When the little boy turns to his sister, she too grips his finger in her tiny hand and smiles up at him - "a perfect, perfect, perfect smile."  Perhaps, he thinks, "she only needs a little help."

Nicola Davies' text and Cathy Fisher's artwork are gentle, atmospheric and beautifully compliment each other in this delightful and powerful story that encapsulates life, family, and love. Perfect for sharing.

Find out more about Damian Harvey on his website www.damianharvey.co.uk and follow him on Twitter @damianjharvey

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A Tale Of Two Beasts by Fiona Roberston - reviewed by Damian Harvey

I came across this wonderful picture book whilst looking for something else in the library and I'm very glad that I did...

In A Tale of Two Beasts, Fiona Robertson delightfully tells the story of two beasts. One 'The Strange Beast' and the other, 'The Terrible Beast'. The book itself is divided into the two separate stories - each telling its tale and each serving to prove that there are indeed two sides to every story. 

The Tale of the Strange Beast begins when a little girl walking by the woods spots a strange little creature hanging upside down from a branch and whining sadly to itself. The little girl wastes no time at all and rescues the poor creature; then, calling him 'Fang', she wraps him in her scarf and carries him safely home. 

The little girl is determined to take good care of the creature so she gives it 'a lovely bath', 'a gorgeous new hat and jumper, and a delicious bowl of fresh nuts.' She even goes to the trouble of making it a house to live in. As if all this isn't enough the little girl takes him for long walks on the end of a lead and shows him off to his friends at school - everyone loves him.

But despite all of her best efforts, the strange creature doesn't seem happy and one night jumps through the window and runs back to the woods. Then later, while the girl is lying sadly in bed, a little shadow appears. The creature has returned and the little girl starts to think he isn't so strange after all. I don't want to completely spoil the ending for you so will leave it there...

The second story, 'The Terrible Beast', begins with an almost identical illustration, but this time the story is being told from the little creature's point of view so there are lots of subtle differences to watch out for. While he is hanging from his favourite tree, the little creature is 'ambushed by a terrible beast' and carried off 'to her secret lair.'  

The story continues and we witness everything from the side of the little creature. Children (and adults alike) will love seeing the differences in both the text and the delightful artwork which gives this book lots to look and and talk about - making it a great one to share again and again.

Reviewed by Damian Harvey
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Twitter @damianjharvey 

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MONSTERSAURUS by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort - reviewed by Damian Harvey

The creative partnership of Claire Freedman and Ben Cort hardly needs any introduction for buyers of picture books – they being the force behind the hugely popular ‘Aliens Love Underpants’ and others in the series. With ‘MONSTERSAURUS’ though, there’s not a pair of pants in sight and for that reason the book may easily be missed which I think would be a shame as it’s lots of fun.

The hero of this story is a young inventor called Monty. “Monty LOVES inventing. BUT things don’t always work” and lots of his inventions go wrong. When Monty finds a book that has instructions on how to create a monster friend he can’t wait to give it a go. He drops the ingredients into his machine and “WHOOSH!” out comes a disgusting slobbery “Bogablog!”. Not to be put off, Monty tries again and “POOF!” out comes a “Dust Monster”. When the two monsters start to fight, it’s up to Monty to put things right. He grabs his book one more time and “KAPOW!” out comes a “big, bad MONSTERSAURUS.”

As always, Claire Freedman’s rhyming text works well and is great to read out loud, while Ben Cort’s bright, colourful spreads add to the fun - making this a real monster of a book to share with little monsters everywhere; and one that will stand a good few revisits at bed time or in the classroom.

Reviewed by Damian Harvey

www.damianharvey.co.uk

Twitter @damianjharvey

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Zippo The Super Hippo, by Kes Gray and Nikki Dyson - Reviewed by Damian Harvey

The life of a hippopotamus can by quite a simple one; splashing in the mud, sploshing in the river and plodding about, but Zippo the Hippo has one wish. Zippo wants to be 'super'. His friend Roxi tells him that she thinks he is already super, but Zippo has something else in mind. Zippo wants to have a super power. Although Zippo is good at the things he does every day, he agrees that they are not really that super. When Roxi suggests flying, Zippo knows she is right. "If I could fly, I could get a super cape and some super boots and I could fly around the world being Zippo the Super Hippo!" declares Zippo.

Roxi takes her big friend under her wing and off they go for his very first flying lesson. Zippo launches himself from the top of a "very high waterfall", a "very tall tree" and a "very steep cliff"... I'm not spoiling the story in telling you that Zippo the Hippo fails to take to the air like a bird, but his super power is clear for all to see.  

Zippo the Super Hippo is a lot of fun. Kes Gray's text is, as always, perfect for reading out loud and Nikki Dyson's illustrations are 'super', giving children lots to look at with each re-reading.

Any picture book that includes the word 'bottom' is guaranteed to be a roaring success with a class-full of children and this picture book deserves to be just that - a roaring success. For me, this is a  'wish I'd thought of this idea' book.


Damian Harvey
www.damianharvey.co.uk
Twitter @damianjharvey

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The King of Space by Jonny Duddle - reviewed by Damian Harvey

The King of Space, written and illustrated by Jonny Duddle, has been around for a little while now but it's a book that I missed - and perhaps you did too. Whilst visiting libraries to help promote the Summer Reading Challenge - as well as talking about my own books I also spent time with children to help them choose other books that they might enjoy reading. The King of Space caught my eye and proved to be a very popular choice with readers that were looking for something fun to read but felt reluctant to jump into a bigger book.
 

The King of Space was a perfect choice - especially boys who loved the story, artwork and the format of the book itself. The only thing that might have put them off is that that i found the book placed amongst all of the other picture books so it tends to get missed. While King of Space is a picture book - for me it is one of those real gems... a picture book for older readers.

 

Rex isn't really a naughty boy. He's just a normal boy with big ideas who is tired of living a boring life on Mum and Dad's Moog farm. While all of the other children/aliens at school have little ideas about what they want to be when they grow up, Rex bravely declares that he wants to be the 'KING OF SPACE!' Naturally, all of his classmates laugh at him but Rex is determined to see his plan through.

 

With the help of his mechanically minded friend, Blip, Rex builds a huge 'WARBOT' that will enable him to achieve his goal. Then one night whilst Mum and Dad think Rex is having a sleepover at his friends house, Rex and his Warbot 'crush all resistance in the Western Spiral' and Rex declares himself King of Space. And just to be 'on the safe side' he kidnaps Emperor Bob's daughter.

 

As you can well imagine, the Emperor and the Intergalactic Alliance aren't happy with Rex's behaviour - he's been a very naughty boy - so a huge fleet of spaceships converge on Rex's house. Rex does the only thing he can an rushes in to tell Mum and Dad what he's done and that he doesn't want to play anymore. It is, of course, all left to Mum to sort out the trouble. But is this an end to Rex's plans???

The picture book/comic book style of this works very well and it certainly has plenty of appeal for older readers. There is lots of humour that will appeal to the older readers too, whilst also striking a very familiar chord with adults.

The King of Space is lots of fun and it's a book I will be recommending again.

You can visit Jonny Duddle's website www.jonny-duddle.com/

Damian Harvey can be found at www.damianharvey.co.uk
Twitter @damianjharvey
 

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Troll and the Oliver by Adam Stower. Reviewed by Damian Harvey

I love this simple but delightful twist on the tale of a young boy and a hungry troll, both written and illustrated by Adam Stower. The cover grabbed me first - and I appreciate that judgement shouldn't be made there but I just couldn't help it. Mischievous Troll peering through the cutaway cover as 'the Oliver' skips merrily along left me wanting more.

On opening the cover we see that Troll had sneaked a little bit closer to 'the Oliver' - his intent already clear to even the most inattentive reader or listener. After being casually introduced to the two 'This is the Troll. And this is an Oliver.' The fun really starts as Troll tries his best to capture 'the Oliver' and eat him for his tea.

Unfortunately for Troll, this isn't as easy as he expects as 'the Oliver' just won't keep still... instead the pesky Oliver foils him at every turn. So much so that the reader ends up feeling a little sorry for Troll as he finally gives up and sadly returns home to his hole for a 'dinner of twigs and stones'.

The next morning, as Oliver sets out with his little basket, things just aren't the same anymore. Everything is quiet on his journey home from the shops and as he starts to bake a cake he starts to feel very pleased with himself as he finally realises that the Troll has given up... 'OLIVER HAS WON!'

This isn't the end of the tale though and readers are in for another delightful surprise and a couple of twists before the story comes to a satisfying ending. This picture book is lots of fun to read and is one that will be a joy to share many times over.

Damian Harvey is the author of around 80 books for Primary School Children
You can follow him on Twitter @damianjharvey
And visit his website www.damianharvey.co.uk

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Sam's Super Stinky Socks! written by Paul Bright & illustratrated by Ed Eaves - reviewed by Damian Harvey

Young Sam is a fearless explorer who  clearly follows in his Pa's adventuring footsteps.

After announcing that he is off to see the world, Pa offers him some words of advice that I'm sure Bear Grylls would firmly endorse - 'Be sure to wash your socks each night and hang them up to dry.' Pa also offers some slightly more dubious advice on what to do if he comes across a cheetah, a crocodile or a python. But it seems that the only thing that Pa can't help with is the most fearsome thing of all - the 'Jumbo Bumbo Fly.' which will bite you on the bum.

Sam's adventures take him around the world and as you might expect, he completely forgets all of Pa's sound advice on how to deal with wild animals... but worst of all, he never washes his socks and the terrible pong attracts a cheetah. 

Soon poor Sam finds himself being chased by a cheetah, a python and a crocodile. Just as it seems that things can't get any worse he hears a fearful noise - the dreaded Jumbo Bumbo Fly. The terrible insect bites the cheetah, the python and the crocodile, turning their bums blue, and it seems that Sam will be next. Fortunately, Sam proves himself to be more resourceful than his Pa and all ends well but you'll have to read the book to see exactly what happens.

The combination of Paul Bright's witty, rhyming text and Ed Eaves's bright, fun filled illustrations make this picture book a joy to read aloud and share. Children (and especially boys) will giggle endlessly at the references to bums an stinky socks... a sure winner. 

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Doughnuts for a Dragon - by Adam & Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Lee Wildish - reviewed by Damian Harvey

George, the brave young explorer from 'Marshmallows for Martians' and 'Spaghetti with the Yeti' makes a welcome return in Adam and Charlotte Guillain's latest picture book - 'Doughnuts for a Dragon'.
To prove that he is fearless and bold, George sets out on a time travelling adventure and goes in search of a dragon. After building himself a time machine, young George packs a bag...

"With some snacks that a hero might eat.

There were cakes, pies and buns, and a bottle of fizz,

And doughnuts - the ultimate treat."

 

Adam and Charlotte's delightful rhyming is full of fun and it takes us along on George's adventure as he comes across a Princess, an Ogre, a Witch and more - passing each one with help from his bag of tasty treats. To find out what happens when he finally confronts the fearsome dragon you will have to read on for yourself.

 

Lee Wildish's excellent, artwork is full of character, detail and motion, and he really brings the story to life. Readers will have lots to look at and discover as they revisit this book again and again. Sure to be a big favourite on anyone's bookshelf.

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Captain Beastlie's Pirate Party by Lucy Coats and Chris Mould - reviewed by Damian Harvey

Captain Beastlie is a dirty, smelly pirate but his ship is smart and his crew are clean. The filthy captain shouts and bellows, stamps and stomps around his ship as he counts down the days left until his birthday - just in case his crew should have forgotten.

Children will delight in Beastlie's dirty habits - 'picking a bogey out of his nose and licking it', then 'rootling a glob of peanut butter out of his ear', and much more besides. They will also love seeing his crew as they busily prepare a birthday surprise for their bellowing captain. But what is it they are preparing?

Lucy's text is a joy to read with its rhythms, pirate language and expressive dialogue. A great book to share and a real must to read aloud to a bunch of lily-livered limpets ahar! But please beware! It's impossible to read in anything other than a traditional pirate voice... And quite right too.

Chris Mould's artwork is always a joy to see and here he brings Lucy's characters to life with lots of fun and added detail in his own inimitable style giving the readers so much to look at.

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