Missus B's Picture Book Reviews

Monday, 6 July 2015

Following Rules-Citizenship

Book Details

Author: Cassie Mayer

Editorial: Cassie Mayer& Charlotte Guillain.

Illustrations: Mark Beech

Published by: Curious Fox/Capstone Global Library 2008

ISBN 978 1 782 02298 5
Library Copy

Other books in the Citizenship series:

Being Honest

Being Responsible

Being Fair

Making Friends

Book Description

Back of Book-‘Why is following the rules important? Read this book and find out! Books in this series introduce children to the character values that embody citizenship. In Following Rules, children view various situations that demonstrate the importance of following rules. Playful, engaging illustrations are used to reinforce understanding of the concepts.’

As described in it’s blurb, this book shows children in various group settings demonstrating how to follow the rules.
There is an explanation of what it means to follow the rules:

Following rules means doing things the right way.
Following rules makes it fair for everyone.

Citizenship: Following Rules
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews

There are seven brightly illustrated examples of 'following rules’ and in the final pages the question 'How do you follow the rules?’ is asked. Following this is an 'Activity’ page which includes an illustration of a group of children with the question- 'How are these children following the rules?’

My thoughts on this book:

Illustrations show children participating in typical activities such raising a hand before talking in class, walking quietly in the corridor, asking a parent/adult for permission to do something. The pages show how rules are an important part of life in various settings- while playing with peers, in school, at home or out and about in the community.

Text is large and clear and each page spread gives one example or makes one point- a suitable page layout for younger children allowing them to absorb one idea at a time.

Citizenship: Following Rules
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews

The book delivers a short reading time experience and the examples of rules are pretty straight froward and obvious. However, this book could be used as an introduction to group discussion at circle time. It is a handy resource in the classroom, offering opportunities to explore social thinking. and to encourage children to agree on rules and expectations within their particular setting.

'Activity'-having a discussion about rules
Citizenship: Following Rules
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews

This series of books support the Social, Personal and Health Education Curriculum.

Happy reading,
Missus B

Get the book at the below affiliate links.

You may be interested in other books I have listed on this page : 'Social Skills'

Being Fair: Citizenship

A book to help reinforce understanding of fair behaviour.

Book Details

Author: Cassie Mayer

Editorial: Cassie Mayer& Charlotte Guillain.

Illustrations: Mark Beech

Published by: Curious Fox/Capstone Global Library 2008

ISBN 978 1 1 782 02295 4

Book Description
Back of Book-‘How can you be fair? Read this book and find out! Books in this series introduce children to the character values that embody citizenship. In Being Fair, children view various situations that demonstrate the importance of being fair. Playful, engaging illustrations are used to reinforce understanding of the concepts.’

As described in it’s blurb, this book shows children in various group settings acting in fair ways.

There are nine brightly illustrated examples of 'being fair’ and in the final pages the question 'How can you be fair?’ is asked. Following this is an 'Activity’ page which includes an illustration of a group of children and the question- 'How is this child being fair?’

Other books in the Citizenship series:

Being Honest

Being Responsible

Following Rules

Making Friends

My thoughts on this book:

A useful book for opening up discussions about social behaviour, personal responsibility and self reflection. The messages are simple and the book talks directly to the child reader, pointing out how certain actions show fair behaviour e.g. 'When you ask other children to join in…. you are being fair.’ Later, the book asks the child reader to think about how they as readers can be fair, and to comment on a picture which demonstrates fairness.

Illustrations show children participating in typical activities such as waiting to take turns during hopscotch, giving others a go on the swings or sharing snacks. The pages show children in various community settings, highlighting how fairness is an important characteristic in all parts of our lives.

Text is large and clear and each page spread gives one example or makes one point- a suitable page layout for younger children allowing them to absorb one idea at a time.

The book delivers a short reading time experience, however, it offers opportunities for further discussions about what it is to be fair. This is a lovely book to read at circle time and a handy classroom resource an a tool for exploring social thinking.

This series of books supports the Social Personal and Health Education Curriculum at the early years level.

Happy reading, Missus B

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Too Many Tickles

Get ready for a ticklish story time!

Book Details
Author : Thomas Taylor
Illustrator: Penny Dann *
Macmillan Children's Books 2014
Library Copy

Back of Book
From Mum's swirly-whirly tummy button tickles to Dad's great big side-grabbers there's no escaping the tickles in this house...
This tickle-tastic book will have children bursting with laughter.

Missus B says:
A sweet and fun read which celebrates the playful side of family life. If you enjoy giving or receiving tickles, this book will have you trying out some tickle tactics such as 'side-grabbers' or 'slightly squeezy-behind-the kneesy tickles.'

Waking up with tickles!
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'Too Many Tickles'

This short story is narrated by two young siblings who describe how they 'giggle and wriggle' and 'dodge and dash' to avoid the tickles they get from Mum, Dad, Grandmother and Grandfather. Throughout the book, we see a fun-filled, loving home with the children launching a tickle attack on the adults in the final pages.But, it doesn't end there, at bed-time, even the family pets join in, with the cat giving tail tickles and the dog giving lick tickles.

Licky dog tickles!
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'Too Many Tickles'

The illustrations in this book are a real delight. Soft, bright colours capture some lovely family scenes with lots of foreground and background action. There are plenty of cute and quirky details going on- from the framed feather hanging in the bedroom (a tickle weapon!) to the worm poking it's head up in the garden (as Grandpa gives 'squirmy-like-a-wormy' tickles.) As Mum gives her 'swirly-whirly' tickles in the bedroom, we see her tongue stuck out in mischievous delight while in the background, an array of cuddly toys are tumbling off the beds. In the kitchen, Gran's 'easy-teasy-slightly-squeezy' tickles cause a bit of morning mayhem, with breakfast cereal scattering and the milk spilling. Meanwhile, the table-surfing dog is happily devouring the toast!The activities of the pets bring added energy to the story-they are there on every page, joining in with the fun- scurrying about and happily following the action. Mostly they act like typical household pets, but on one page they mirror the tip-toeing of the little boy and girl, reinforcing the fact that they are truly part of this family.

Time to launch a tickle attack on the adults!
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'Too Many Tickles'

This playful story is partly written in rhyme and to add emphasis, text varies in size and shape e.g. curly large font, wriggling sentences or words made up of tiny curling details.

Grandpa and his 'Make-us-squirmy-like-a-wormy-under-the-ear-right-here tickles!'
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'Too Many Tickles'

What I like most about this book, is what it makes you do. It's hard to read it without having the strong urge to give a good tickle! And maybe you will come up with a few new tickling tactics of your own.

Story-Time..... Tickle-Time....Together-Time..... there's a lot to enjoy when you share this book with a little person.

Happy tickling!
Missus B.
* I plucked this lovely book off my local library shelf and, in trying to learn more about the author and illustrator, I was saddened to read that Penny Dann illustrator, passed away in December 2014. The author of this book Thomas Taylor , has written a touching tribute here.

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Just Because

A heartwarming story about the special bond between a brother and sister.

Text and illustrations: Rebecca Elliot
Lion Children's Books, an imprint of Lion Hudson plc 2010
Reviewed copy from library

Back of book:
Toby thinks his sister Clemmie is the best. Join their adventures to find out why.
A heart-warming story of the very special bond between a brother and a sister, no matter what.
"A truly lovely book for all readers." Michael Rosen
"A book that deserves a place in every library and school in the country!" Joy Court, Youth Librarian's Group.

The book:
The story is narrated by Toby, who describes the relationship between he and his older sister Clemmie. To open, he explains that his sister cannot walk, talk or move around much 'just because.' Toby describes how Clemmie makes him laugh, how she likes or dislikes particular things , the imaginative fun they have with Clemmie's wheel chair and how they share books & play together.

More from Missus B:
This is the sweet story of a beautiful relationship between two young siblings. Toby speaks of his sister with warm affection, pride and utter love. He explains that while she may not be able to do algebra, juggle or cook macaroni....

She's a lot like a princess.
They don't have to do much either.
They can just sit and look pretty.
Just because.
Toby describes warm interactions between he and his sister- how Clemmie makes him laugh with her funny faces, how she admires his art work or doesn't mind if Toby plays loudly, chases the cat or even eats crayons! In his account of playful behaviour, personal attributes and sibling interactions, Toby explains that, he does not know the reasoning, but things are this way 'Just because.' On reading each 'Just because', I could almost visualise the little blond haired Toby, casually shrugging in a matter of fact manner.

Clemmie likes drawings of trains, spoons & dragonflies but not pigeon drawings!
Toby says 'I don't know why. Just because'
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'Just Because'

Toby knows that some sisters can be mean...

They scream and shout,
pull your hair,
steal your chips
and won't play cowboys
with you.
I don't know why they're
like that.
Just because.

Clemmie's not like that.

Toby loves that Clemmie (unlike some other sisters) likes to play cowboys
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'Just Because'

To close the story, Toby describes how at night time, Clemmie gently cuddles him as he begins 'to dream of ice creams,tractors, and acorns...' and she waits for him to go to sleep.

Toby says:
Clemmie's my best friend and I love her
And I know exactly why.
Just because.

Clemmie's my best friend and I love her. And I know exactly why.
Just because.
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews

This is a sweet and funny account of family life. Clemmie's disability is not central in the story, and through Toby's narrative, we accept that Clemmie just happens to use a wheelchair. Clemmie's disability is of little significance when there are silly hats to wear, bugs to play with and cuddles to share. Rightly so!

The illustrations are rich, colourful and warm, every page filled with streaky, swirling, soft background colour. Lots of cute details can be admired, from the patterned children's clothing to the animated sea creatures and insects (like Clemmie & Toby's pet lady bug 'Simon'.)

One of my favourite double page spreads in 'Just Because' -Toby describes Clemmie's big, curly hair.
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews

The text is almost rhythmic and easy to read in large, dark font, with Clemmie's name and the words 'Just because' written in playful, curling text.

In short:
This is a touching and amusing story about a sibling relationship where play, personal attributes, affection and love make everyday a fun adventure. It celebrates unconditional love, recognizes difference and shows how a special relationship by far overrides special needs.

Happy reading,
Missus B

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I Dare You Not To Yawn

How can a reader refuse an invitation like that?!

Book Details
Written by Helene Boudreau
Illustrated by Serge Bloch
Walker Books 2014 edition (first published in 2013)
Library Copy

Back of Book
Quick! Cover your mouth! Because if your arms stretch up, your eyes squish tight and your mouth opens w-i-d-e....
Oh dear...you know what happens next don't you!

The Book
Yawns can creep up on you anytime. And before you know it, you're told to go upstairs and get your PJs on. This book suggests some tips to help you avoid yawning- LOOK AWAY from other yawners, STAY AWAY form huggy snuggly things and AVOID bedtime stories. In comical , child-like illustrations with bright colours and muted patterns we see the narrator try to escape from anything which could trigger a yawn. But, all this talking about yawning only leads to one thing.... By the end of the book our little character is tucked up in bed.

'See? I told you. Yawns are sneaky.'
Let one out and the next thing you know, you're bundled off to bed!
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'I Dare You Not To Yawn.'

More from Missus B:
It's kinda hard not to yawn while reading this book. It's definitely hard not to giggle. Of course, the fact that you have yawned, will just make you giggle some more. Its a delightfully vicious cycle really!
This is a cute and funny book. The young character does not want to go to bed, but those sneaky yawns just keep popping out....

There you are, minding your own business, building the tallest block tower in the history of the universe or dressing up the cat, when suddenly your arms stretch up, your eyes squish tight, your mouth opens wide, your tongue curls back and - mmm...rrr...yawwrrr-a yawn pops out.

Looking petulant and defiant our little man is whisked off to bed by his Mum. After grumpily donning his pyjamas and listening to a bed time story, he lays there in complete darkness (a lovely inky black double page spread with only two white eyes visible.) He wonders "How did I get here?"

In comical illustrations, the character warns that seeing your siblings or pets yawn, could be risky business and he covers his eyes to avoid the sight. He breaks into a mild sweat as he marches away from his snuggly items:

Stay away from huggable stuffed animals,
soft cosy pyjamas and your favourite
blankie, because- mm..mm..mmm-
these can make you feel snuggly.

Avoid all items that give you that snuggly, sleepy feeling!
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'I Dare You Not To Yawn'

Warning us to avoid bedtime stories and lullabies, he suggests that if a yawn does sneak up, it MUST NOT escape! But, no matter how much he tries to clamp his mouth shut, the mighty yawn wins the battle and we see it in its wide- mouthed glory on one of the final pages.

Those sneaky yawns are hard to control.
'Quick, cover your mouth-mmpprff!-to keep it from escaping.'
Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'I Dare You Not To Yawn'

I love how the illustrations in this book perfectly capture Bedtime Resistance. The body language and facial expressions between the boy and his mum will be familiar to anyone who has participated in bedtime battles. Despite all his efforts to avoid going to sleep , the character does appear to be contentedly snoozing on the final page however (a positive message about sleeping bringing some balance for anyone who is fed up with said battles!) For the main of this story, we get a lovely blend of sleepy snuggly feelings along with the drama of trying to suppress a yawn. Also, the fun sounds such as ' mmm...rrr..yawwrrr', 'mmpprff' make this a fun read-aloud experience.

And that's the beauty of this book- while it's narrator is anti-bedtime, all this talk about yawning and snuggly stuff induces a sleepy, yawny, happy feeling. You WILL yawn when you read it!

Perfect for bedtime reading and a giggle before the lights go out.

Missus B's Picture Book Reviews
'I Dare You Not To Yawn'

Happy reading,
Missus B

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Sunday, 5 July 2015

On Sudden Hill

A beautiful story about imaginative play and making new friends
Written by Linda Sarah
Illustrated by Benji Davies
Simon and Schuster 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4711-1928-6 (HB)
ISBN: 978-1-4711-1929-3 (PB)
Library Copy
Back of the Book
Birt and Etho are best friends. They spend hours together playing on Sudden Hill. Then one day a new boy arrives. He wants to join them.Can two become three?
A timeless, poignant and heartfelt book from the internationally acclaimed illustrator of The Storm Whale.

The Story
Birt and Etho have a special friendship and they spend their days playing on their beloved Sudden Hill. With two large cardboard boxes, they can be anything-pirates, kings, soldiers or astronauts. Then one day, a boy called Shu arrives with another cardboard box and suddenly, two becomes three. Birt is not so keen to begin with.....

More from Missus B
A grassy hill, some cardboard boxes, two friends, some sunshine, a whole lot of imagination...... and we have the perfect recipe for childhood nostalgia. It really is difficult to read this story without feeling wistful for those endless summer days of fun, freedom and make-believe play.

My most treasured childhood memories, are those of making dens in fields, building huts with hay bails and using odds and ends of household rubbish to create something of my own. This book took me right back and had me wanting to sit up there on Sudden Hill with Etho, Birt, Shu and their cardboard boxes.

On the title page, we see a country farmyard scene and two young boys venturing over a gate into a field. In the background, we see the lovely Sudden Hill with it's leaning tree, waiting to offer shade, a climb or a swing. Birt and Etho trundle up the hill with their giant cardboard boxes and through poetic text, we read of their play adventures...

Sometimes they're kings,
soldiers, astronauts.
Sometimes they're pirates
sailing wild seas and skies.

But always, always
they're Big Friends.

We see them flying paper planes, gathering sticks, collecting frogs in jars...two friends enjoying the freedom to play in nature....

..watching small movements
in the valley and feeling
big as Giant Kings.

These boys have a 'two-by-two rhythm'

The beautiful illustrations include large page-filled scenes as well as smaller vignettes.There is much to be admired-small details like the buttercups, swallows and flying insects and background characters like the curious bunny rabbit, the toy robot or the farmyard hens.

To me, what appeals most about the illustrations is, the sense of living nature on every page- the grass on Sudden Hill appears to be swishing in a breeze, the clouds roll across the sky, while the colours and hues perfectly capture the changing light of morning, evening and night.

The characters of Birt, Etho and Shu are simply drawn yet expressive- at times when their faces lack expression (sometimes they don't even have mouths), their body language and movements perfectly share their emotions.

Through the author's poetic style, this story describes a social situation which many children will be familiar with. As far as Birt is concerned, he and Etho are two peas in a pod...but then Shu arrives and life changes for Birt. Etho welcomes a new friend, but Birt begins to distance himself.

'Birt feels a bit strange'
He doesn't say anything and keeps himself to himself .His smile is
gone- in fact, he has no mouth at all.

Etho and Shu
call round sometimes.
Birt avoids them.

Instead he stays at home
mostly drawing pictures of two boxes, side-by-side.

But he misses Etho.
He misses their cardboard
castles on Sudden Hill.

Many emotions are captured between the illustrations and the text-comfort, joy, caution, jealousy and in particular, loneliness. It's hard not to empathise with Birt and this tricky situation. Thankfully though, Etho and Shu are determined to have Birt back on Sudden Hill. With their cardboard boxes, they create 'An incredible Monster Creature Box Thing!' They arrive at Birt's doorstep and he just cannot resist- this fantastic creation has WHEELS!

So, after a day of supersonic rocket blasting and other imaginative adventures, Birt adjusts himself to a new 'three-by-three rhythm' and learns to love 'their Etho-Shu-Birt-iness'.

Three friends and their 'incredible Monster Creature Box Thing!'

In short
Oh, this book is like a snuggly pair of slippers-it just gives you that toasty, familiar feeling.
As an adult reader, I love that 'On Sudden Hill' transports me back to warm, sunny fields and carefree play in the countryside.
As an adult reader sharing this book with a child, I have no doubt that listeners will connect with the play, social interactions and friendship messages within this story.
Eloquently written, beautifully illustrated, 'On Sudden Hill' is a charming and timeless story. A book-for-keeps, this is one that deserves generations of love and cherishing.

Happy reading,
Missus B

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If you're like me, this book will probably inspire you to take out some cardboard boxes and sticky tape! Check out this lovely Pinterest Board of Cardboard box fun from The Garden House Preschool.