Book Monitor - books from across the world

Engaging reads for children, from Books go Walkabout

Month: October 2023

Kid Christmas of the Claus Brothers Toy Store by David Litchfield

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On October 17, 2023

In Frances Lincoln Children's Books, The Book Monitor, Books go Walkabout, Featured children's book

This fascinating tale tells the story of little Nicky Claus, who wanted to make every child happy, if only just for one day.

Nicky Claus works with his three uncles in the Claus Brothers Toy Emporium. Uncle Hanz makes the toys, Uncle Louis checks them and Uncle Levi adds the… what’s the scientific term for it? Ah, yes. The magic! For each toy made at the Emporium has a special sparkle that means it will find the child it is perfect for. 


One day, Nicky notices a young girl with her face pressed up to the glass. When she disappears, he follows her and finds her living on the streets with lots of other children, none of whom can afford a toy. Nicky vows that for one night only, every child will have the toy of their dreams and—with the help of his uncles and some flying reindeer—the legend of Father Christmas is born.

This magical and heartwarming story from David Litchfield is centred on kindness, generosity and looking after each other. 

DAVID LITCHFIELD is a bestselling author–illustrator living in Bedfordshire,UK. He is the creator of the award-winning, best-selling ‘The Bear and the Piano’ trilogy.

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books have a wonderful collection of picture book titles and Kid Christmas is a beautiful addition.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

The Panda’s Child By Jackie Morris  & Illustrated by Cathy Fisher

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On October 16, 2023

In Books go Walkabout,, Featured children's book, Otter-Barry

From internationally bestselling author Jackie Morris and award-winning illustrator Cathy Fisher, a beautiful gift book with the resonance of a legend and a passion for the wild world.

A stunningly beautiful book full of soul catching moments, when we can connect with nature around us and look askance at those who seek to make profit from wild animals, especially the young.

Watch the video to hear Jackie Morris, author talk about the book. In 2019 she was awarded the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal for her work on The Lost Words. Jackie Morris lives in a wild idyll in St. David’s, Pembrokeshire.

In a faraway forest a baby is lost and found, protected by a she-panda.
Nine years later another baby, the panda’s child, is in great danger, and only a boy and the spirit of the forest can save him.

This magical, powerful story by Jackie Morris, co-creator of The Lost Words, and award-winning illustrator Cathy Fisher, is a book for all ages to treasure, exploring our most vital connection with wild nature. Otter-Barry Books have a unique way of creating wonderful books.

There is something mesmerizing about this beautiful book, the dreamy illustrations and captivating words lead you to turn every page, unsure if it is going to be a work of art illustration or poetic text which will stay with you.

A Picture Book for everyone and I think everyone should read this Picture book.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

Poetry Prompts by Joseph Coelho

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On October 11, 2023

In Featured children's book, The British Library

Have you ever just gazed at a blank piece of paper and don’t know where to start? Poetry Prompts is the book you need! It gives so many ideas on how to get started and how to imagine different things and situations. From creating haikus to tanka poems and and tongue twisters this book will have all in your class or at home writing poetry in no time!

Joseph Coelho is the UK Children’s Laureate 2022-2024 and he is travelling around the counties visiting libraries and meeting children, helping them to find the poems inside themselves and to share with others.

There are some great resources to go with Poetry Prompts from the British Library download and see how much they will help your children or simply have a go yourselves!

Wide Eyed are part of the Quarto Knows and have some amazingly beautiful books for everyone. Poetry Prompts is a book for all and just waiting for you to step into and … make a poem!

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

Hear Our Voices by Radhika Natarajan & Chaq Tayiana, Illustrated by Alexander Mostov

By

On October 10, 2023

In Featured children's book, WideEyed Editions

This compelling and important history of the British Empire, told from the perspective of 20 people who lived through it, tells the story of one of the largest and most powerful empires in human history.


At one time, the British Empire ruled over almost a quarter of the world’s population. Men, women and children from all walks of life across the globe were affected in big and small ways. From the clothes they wore, the food they ate and the languages they spoke, to the work they did and the rights they held. This legacy and impact is still evident all over the world today.
This book shines a light on the human aspects of the ‘Empire where the sun never sets’, introducing readers to a host of figures, both powerful and modest, who lived through, challenged, and influenced the course of the British Empire.

 This book, published by Wide Eyed , part of Quarto group, tells the stories of 20 real figures whose perspectives have often been ignored, overlooked or sidelined. Told in a first-person narrative style, allowing readers to see through the eyes of these inspiring history-keepers.


Meet Queen Nanny,for example, the escaped slave who led a fight for freedom against the British in Jamaica. 
These engaging true stories of resistance, community, struggle and hope will spark conversations, and leave readers inspired. 

Written by Radhika Natarajan, Assistant Professor of History and Humanities at Reed College in Portland, Oregon and Chad Tayiana,a Kenyan digital humanities scholar and historian.

A magnificent book with an insight to the historic past of the ’empire’ , great for children in school and at home.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

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