Happy World Book Day, everyone. I’m sure there will be lots of parents breathing a sigh of relief and enjoying a well-deserved glass or two this evening, so spare a thought for me – I still have the potential stress of the children not wanting to wear/changing their minds about their costumes to come tomorrow. Oh joy! Anyway, would you believe that WBD isn’t really about dressing up, it’s about encouraging children to read? I know. So, make sure you use the vouchers that come home from school on one of the fab £1 books, or for money off your little one’s choice. Here are a few (relatively) new picture books to inspire your purchases.
The Fox and the Star by Coralie Bickford-Smith (Penguin, RRP £6.99) is a seriously gorgeous book. I was so pleased when Kitty chose it to spend a gift token on. The illustrations are so exquisite I’m tempted to buy another copy, so I can frame a few of the pages! It’s the rather sweet story of a fox who has to learn to cope when his friend, the star, goes missing. A great read for little ones struggling with independence, change or grief and a timeless classic to hand down.
Wild Animals of the South by Dieter Braun (Flying Eye Books, RRP £20). A follow-up to Wild Animals of the North, this beautiful book explores fauna from Africa, Asia, South America, Australia and Antartica, with facts complimenting Dieter Braun’s bold, graphic depictions of animals. Our favourites are the laidback Lar gibbon, the speedy frill-necked lizard and the colourful Indian peafowl. One to leave out on the coffee table.
Dotty’s First Book by Becky Baur (Thames & Hudson, RRP £7.95) is also Becky’s first book. We love her super-cute animal illustrations and Dotty the dalmatian is no exception. This is such a fun way to explore colours, shapes and numbers with small children, through the little dog’s adventures – going to the park, playing in the garden, flying a toy rocket to the moon – with plenty of activities and surprises for your little bookworm along the way.
Today I Feel . . .: An Alphabet of Feelings by Madalena Moniz (Abrams, RRP £8.99). We couldn’t do a round-up without an ABC book and this new one from Moniz is really unusual, eschewing the traditional apple, boat and cat in favour of adored, brilliant and curious, and the whole gamut of emotions you might expect a child to feel. Use to encourage your child to express what they are feeling. Nervous? Jealous? Grumpy? Invisible? Excited? A great springboard to discuss what’s going on in their minds.
Safe & Sound by Jean Roussen, illustrated by Loris Lora (Flying Eye Books, RRP £11.99). I think this is going to be my go-to baby gift for a while. Not only are the illustrations divine, but the story – a rhyming tale of how various baby animals need someone to keep them safe and sound in the wild – is poignant for new parents (and old ones). I might have had a watery eye reading the last page… Lovely gift for a new mama on Mother’s Day as well.
We’ve love seeing your brilliant costumes today. Do email us your pics to team@bambinogoodies.co.uk or upload to our Facebook page if you want to be included in our gallery.
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