Book Monitor - books from across the world

Engaging reads for children, from Books go Walkabout

The Panda’s Child by Jackie Morris and Cathy Fisher

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On January 24, 2024

In BookMonitor, Featured authors, Featured children's book, Featured illustrators

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The Panda’s Child

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

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.

Stunningly beautiful book! Illustrations portray the powerful story of being lost and found and the rescuer who turned the wicked plans of man upside down. A mysterious and appealing story full of fears and joys.


Jackie Morris is internationally admired for her imaginative and atmospheric picture books, illustrated with watercolours and often with a fantasy dimension. Her previous books include The Snow Leopard, The Ice Bear and Tell Me a Dragon. Her books The Seal Children, New Born Child and One Cheetah, One Cherry were published by Otter-Barry Books in 2016. In 2019 she was awarded the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal for her work on The Lost Words. Jackie Morris lives in St. David’s, Pembrokeshire.

Cathy Fisher graduated in the ’80s. She taught in art schools in Britain, Seychelles and then, as an artist, in Australia. She now lives in Wales, where she has worked in collaboration with author Nicola Davies. She was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal for Perfect and The Pond and was nominated for The New Girl. Her latest collaboration is with the acclaimed author and illustrator Jackie Morris. Illustrating with watercolours and mixed media, her pictures convey her deeply felt connection with nature and her observations of human behaviour and emotion.
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.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

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

By

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

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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

Welcome to Wild Town by AF Harrold & Dom Conlon. Illustrated by Korky Paul

By

On September 27, 2023

In Otter-Barry Books, Featured children's book

An exciting first collaboration between two acclaimed poets, exploring the nature of ‘wildness’. Do you dare to come to Wild Town?

Watch out for the tigers of Bengal Street in the Carnivore Quarter and maybe avoid the fish tank in number 3, Danger Close – it’s stocked with piranhas and electric eels. In Wolf Park you may come across a silent, stalking wolf and at the Wild Town Rec polar bears are pushing on the slide and orcas are in the paddling pool. While at the quiet end of town dormice are sleeping and grumpy Bertha the Bear is slumbering.
One thing is certain – you will never be the same after a visit to Wild Town, and when you leave, the wild will go with you….

An exciting poetry adventure, a journey of wild encounters in streets, houses and parks – this is an astonishing and brilliant poetry collection by two of the UK’s most admired poets, AF Harrold and Dom Conlon. Illustrated with verve and wit by the internationally bestselling illustrator Korky Paul.

Worth looking at Otter-Barry Books, the publisher’s website, loads of information about the book and authors/illustrator.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

Nikhil and Jay: Off to India by Chitra Soundar & Illustrated by Soofiya

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On September 26, 2023

In Otter-Barry Books, Featured children's book

Nikhil and Jay visit India in this third book in the sparkling Early Reader series about a British Asian family. Beautifully written for children starting out on independent reading, with stylish illustrations on each page.

Nikhil and Jay and Amma and Appa are off to India for the Christmas holidays to visit Chennai Granny and Grandad. The boys have their first Chennai Christmas, with mango-leaf decorations, Indian sweets for Father Christmas, a basket of beautiful Indian wooden toys – and a special Christmas star. The family see in the New Year the Indian way. They make a Welcome poster, Granny lights a lamp at midnight and they all eat Granny’s delicious Kesala as an Indian New Year treat.

This third book in the Nikhil and Jay series written by Chitra Soundar, is perfect for children moving on from picture books to longer stories, helped by Soofiya’s lively and characterful illustrations. Publisher’s Otter-Barry Books have an excellent portfolio of engaging books for all children.

Definitely on my recommendation list for primary schools.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow and illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton

By

On September 19, 2023

In Featured children's book, Otter-Barry

An amazing book, with captivating text and illustrations from the beginning to the end..

‘These are my streets, these are my people, this is my story.’

The first novel, told in verse for middle-grade readers, by a leading children’s poet, with atmospheric pictures by a Carnegie-shortlisted illustrator.

Life can be tough in your last year of primary school. Tests to take, preparing for the change to high school. Nate is ready for it all, knowing his best friend PS is at his side – they’ve been inseparable since Nursery.

But when they are put in two different classes and PS finds a new friend in Turner, the school bully, Nate’s world turns upside-down. As he struggles to make sense of this and forge new friendships, he’s dealt another blow when his youngest brother, Dylan is rushed into hospital.

His new teacher, Mr Joshua, sees a spark inside of Nate that’s lit by his love of reading and writing and shows him how to use this to process what’s going on. But with so much working against him, and anger rising inside him, will this be enough?

A powerful and lyrical story about finding your place in the world and the people that matter within it.
Matt Goodfellow is a former primary school teacher and now a full-time poet living in Stockport. His visits to schools are dynamic and have lasting impact. Watch the video…

Joe Todd-Stanton is an author/illustrator who won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize with his picture book, The Secret of Black Rock.

Otter-Barry Books have a powerful portfolio of books and The Final Year joins their strong interest in publishing children’s poetry books.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

Our Rights!

By

On July 19, 2023

In UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Amnesty International, Featured children's book

Stories and Poems About Children’s Rights

Edited by Jake Hope

Illustrated by Ruthine Burton, Habiba Nabisubi and Chih-An Chen

Stories and poems from prizewinning and internationally acclaimed authors, each highlighting different rights of the child, as declared by the United Nations.

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most completed statement of understanding for all children across the globe.

Our Rights is important in offering a look at some of these rights by work from a number of authors, some well known and some less well known, but all with passion for ensuring that children are respected everywhere. It looks at:


The right to life, survival and development

The right to protection from violence, abuse and neglect

The right to education, to reach full potential

The right to be raised by or have a relationship with parents

The right to express opinions and be listened to

Jake Hope, a leading authority on contemporary children’s literature, has chosen stories from Cathy Cassidy, Maisie Chan, Joseph Coelho, AM Dassu, Anne Fine, Paul Jennings, Chitra Soundar and Elizabeth Laird; and poems from Valerie Bloom, Sita Brahmachari, Dom Conlon, Nicola Davies, Jamila Gavin, Maurice Gleitzman, CG Moore, Jackie Morris, Beverley Naidoo, RR O’Neill, Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Jordan Stephens and Benjamin Zephaniah.

The illustrators are Ruthine Burton, Chih-An Chen and Habiba Nabisubi, who have just graduated from the Pop-Up Pathways project, a national initiative sponsored by the Arts Council, that develops emerging illustrators from under-represented groups.

Otter-Barry Books are the publishers and have produced this excellent book, which I am sure will be well used by schools across the country. A very powerful book and perfect for readers around the age of 9-13 years, with a diversity of stories and provides a ‘way in’ to difficult conversations about how children are treated in different countries including our own.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

The World’s Most Atrocious Animals by Philip Bunting

By

On July 13, 2023

In Happy Yak, Featured children's book, Quarto KNows

This witty, quirky, colourfully illustrated and fact-filled book features some of the most terrifying and shocking animals on the planet! 
The third title in the series from the hilarious Philip Bunting is filled with facts about some of the scariest creatures in the natural world.

Meet the enormous murder hornets of east and southeast Asia, the poisonous blue-ringed octopus, Africa’s hungry but deadly hippos and some truly shocking electric eels, among many more truly scary creatures!

The antagonist voice (speaking though cheeky annotations) points out the most frightening aspects of each creature’s characteristics, while the narrator’s voice describes engaging, factual information about each animal’s seemingly scary characteristics. Are they really as scary as they seem?

With hilarious text throughout and bright, contemporary illustrations, this guide to terrifying animals contains funny labelled diagrams and fabulous facts. It will help teach kids about the animals we fear and whether their gruesome reputation is deserved!

Philip Bunting’s books have been translated into multiple languages, and published in over 25 countries around the world. Since his first title was published in 2017, Philip has received multiple accolades, including Honours from the Children’s Book Council of Australia. His titles include Mopoke and How Did I Get Here? Philip’s work deliberately encourages playful interaction between the reader and child, allowing his books to create a platform for genuine intergenerational engagement, and fun. Philip lives in Queensland, Australia.

Happy Yak are the publishers, an imprint of Quarto Knows with an amazing portfolio of intriguing books for children.

Quirky Creatures is a series dedicated to seeking out the weird and wonderful denizens of the natural world and explaining why they are so strange, from the ridiculous to the truly terrifying. Also available in this series is The World’s Most Ridiculous Animals and The World’s Most Pointless Animals.

Sue Martin – Children’s Literacy Specialist

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