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Fun With Frank by Yvonne Franks

Aug15

Delightful

Fun With Frank by Yvonne Franks is the most delightful book for the under fives (or for anyone who loves dogs). The book documents the antics of Frank, a black Labrador puppy.

The reader is introduced to Frank, his owners and two cats. We learn what he likes, including cuddles with Mum and watching football with Dad.

The whole book is beautifully presented with a photo on each page and a sentence of simple writing. Children will be mesmerised for hours. Frank is a dog who appeals to all with his big, beautiful eyes.

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Gotta Go Back For The Dog by Sara Wheeley

Aug3

Really Fun Fact Finding

Gotta Go Back For The Dog by Sara Wheeley is a marvellous historical children’s novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Sara Wheeley has presented historical facts in a really fun way as we follow three children and their dog time hopping to key events.

This book was a real treat for me as a historian – my insatiable quest for knowledge was satisfied, and it was also a real trip down memory lane.

Readers are treated to the suffragette movement, the Wall Street crash, evacuation and much more. For me, it was a step back in time to my childhood as I remembered the Blue Peter time capsule being planted and Brian Cant was my favourite children’s presenter. Live Aid is another significant event I remembered.

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Nicholas The Santa Story by Tom Catalano

Jul30

A Beautiful Heirloom

Nicholas The Santa Story by Tom Catalano is a most delightful book whatever your age.

The book combines Santa with the story of Jesus in a most charming way. It is beautifully done and the perfect way to introduce our children to the true meaning of Christmas.

The story is written in rhyme giving a beautiful flow and enabling our children to join in as they become familiar with the words.

Santa, a magical element of Christmas, combines with Jesus who is the true meaning of Christmas. All is beautifully and thoughtfully done.

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When I See Blue by Lily Bailey

Jul30

So Very Powerful

When I see Blue by Lily Bailey is a powerful children’s novel that explores the condition of OCD. It is perfect for ages ten years and over. I found it such a powerful insight into this paralyzing condition.

The novel is told in the first person from the point of view of twelve year old Ben. The reader really gets to know him as we witness the conflicts that play out in his head.

Lily Bailey shows the way thoughts, routines and fixations can really run amok in a mind. There is no ‘quick fix’. The person suffering from OCD really cannot help it and needs love, care, understanding and professional help to be able to cope with day to day life which we all take for granted.

The reader accompanies Ben to counselling. It helps us to better understand what is going on in the mind of a young sufferer.

Ben feels isolated. He feels an outsider and alone. School can be a cruel and lonely place as there is a pack mentality.

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