Lost
Mariajo Illustrjo
A new book from award-winning illustrator Mariajo Ilustrajo, Lost is the story of a polar bear who finds himself lost, in a big concrete city. He politely asks the city folk for help but everyone is much too busy and impatient to help the newcomer. He finds himself travelling on the subway only to be noticed, finally by a little girl.
The girl takes the homesick bear by the paw and under her innocent wing. Under the nose of her seemingly unaware mum, she feeds him dinner, gives him a bath and they read stories together. When the polar bear wistfully looks at a poster of the North Pole on her bedroom wall, the little girl realises that her friend needs help to get home.
This is a story about the power friendship has to help you feel found, and even to transport you home.
The Hare-Shaped Hole
John Dougherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty
Hertle and Bertle were always a pair, though one was a turtle and one was a hare. They were utterly buddies, and best friends forever and whenever you looked, you would find them together… until quite unexpectedly… the end came.
When Hertle disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be. He pleads with it, get angry with it, but the hole still won’t bring his Hertle back.
It seems like hope is lost… until Gerda the kindly bear finds him. She explains that he must fill the hole with his memories of Hertle. And slowly… Bertle begins to feel a little bit better.
Powerful and moving text from children’s author and poet John Dougherty is paired perfectly with warm illustrations from the wonderfully talented Thomas Docherty in a thoughtful and sensitive approach to this difficult topic.
This moving picture book can be used as part of a gentle conversation about death and grief with children.
The Month That Makes The Year
Inda Ahmad Zahri
Exploring Ramadan through the eyes of a Muslim child, this graceful and authentic story illuminates the sense of belonging to both the community and the universe that this month of fasting, prayer and reflection brings, as well as the sense of accomplishment that springs from sacrifice.
It starts with the sighting of a new crescent moon.
‘Slow down, be kind to yourself and think good thoughts.’
This month, we learn to do big things by changing one little thing at a time…’
It’s the first time for Deenie, the youngest member of a Muslim family, to fast during Ramadan. She comes across some challenges, but by the end of the month, she learns that there is a lot more to Ramadan than giving up food and water.
A warm and joyful story offering children the chance to see themselves or their friends in the celebration of the spiritual practice of Ramadan.
My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes 50th Anniversary Edition
Eve Sutton, illustrated by Lynley Dodd
A special Anniversary extra-large hardback celebrating 50 delightful years of a much-loved and fun rhyming story that is just right to read together.
