SUMMER READING 2019: SEVERAL FOR SMALLER FOLK

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Summer is a time for adventure and wonder, wandering and dreaming. And picture books add to the marvels of imagination that every summer day can bring. Here are a few beautiful picture to engage and amaze the smaller folk during these wondrous summer days (and the bigger folk, as well.)

Molly and the Whale by Malachy Doyle, pictures by Andrew Whitson; I have been anxiously awaiting this one to arrive at my door, and today it arrived. And it did not disappoint! In this follow-up to the wonderful Molly and the Stormy; we revisit Molly on her little island to discover that the tide has stranded a whale. Everyone bands together to help the whale, but will she make it back to sea? Absolutely joyous, filled with love and the most exquisite illustrations!
How To Be On The Moon by Viviane Schwarz; a clever and creative picture book that is filled with excitement, adventure and clever dialogue that even grown-ups with enjoy. Anna decides that she and Crocodile will take a journey to the moon! It will take a lot of planning and quite a long time. But with Crocodile by her side, she knows they will make it there and back again and have a lot of fun. So imaginative, so joyous!
Sandy Sand Sandwiches (Little Adventurers) by Philip Ardagh, illustrated by Elissa Elwick; It's time for the Little Adventurers to take off on another adventure! It's summertime, so off to the beach they go. Paddling in the sea, building sand castles and exploring rock pools and all the creatures that live there all add to the fun. Expressive and lively illustrations and an end page or two of fun facts make this one to enjoy for days on end.
Mouse and Mole by Joyce Dunbar, illustrated by James Mayhew is a new issue of an old favourite. Warm, gentle stories of the two dear friends and their adventures are quietly humourous and filled with witty banter. The charming, cosy stories are wonderful, thoughtful depictions of everyday life and are perfect for sharing.
Maya and Cat by Caroline Magerl; On a very, very wet day, Maya sees Cat perched high on the roof. She is sure Cat must have a home, and together they take off to find it...with a bit of a surprise at the end. Beautiful, whimsical illustrations and a lovely poetic text create a really special book about friendship, belonging and the journey home.
Hummingbird by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Jane Ray; In this stunning picture book, we have a unique combination of an inter-generational family and the life of the amazing hummingbird. Fabulous, detailed illustrations accent a fictional tale that is also filled with facts and environmental information. Filled with expression and detail, this book is simply beautiful. Not only one to learn a great deal from, but one to treasure.
Nell and the Circus of Dreams by Nell Gifford and Briony May Smith; Young Nell finds a little lost chick. She names her Rosebud and the two become fast friends. When Rosebud runs off, Nell searches for her high and low and, in the process finds the most amazing circus! Or was it just a dream? Such a gorgeous book; filled with joy, life and wonder.
What's Next? by Timothy Knapman, illustrations by Jane McGuinness; An utterly charming story that explores the inquisitiveness and curiosity of being a child. Baby Badger is filled with excitement and awe at everything Daddy shows him. When he can't sleep, he wanders far away from the sett and can't find his way home. But Daddy is never far. Tender, warm-hearted and filled with delight.
A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen; "She was entirely unpredictable. She was not at all ordinary. And she was very, very loved."This touching picture book is the prequel to DiCamillos' Mercy Watson series for young readers. It is the perfect beginning to the charming pigs story. The eloquent, expressive pictures give vivid voice to the characters.A heart-warming tale that will demand to be read again and again. Just wonderful!
I am a firm believer that regardless of your age, picture books have so much to offer; understanding, enjoyment, observations of life, and sheer wonder. This summer, why not add a few picture books to your shelf? Keep them, read and reread them, ponder and love them.
Happy Summer Reading!




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