Summer Bibliotherapy 2024: Staff Picks

The Girl and the Mermaid by Hollie Hughes and Sarah Massini

(Bloomsbury Children’s Books, March 2024)

Memories, mermaids and magic combine in this tender and sentimental tale – the newest release from powerhouse author-illustrator duo, Hollie Hughes and Sarah Massini.  With lyrical, wistful verses dancing across stunning watercolour illustrations, The Girl and the Mermaid follows the tale of Alina and her Granny and their shared love of storytelling.  Living in a lighthouse, Alina spends her evenings cosied up listening to her grandmother tell stories of magic and mermaids.  But in time, Granny’s memories start to fade and the enchanted stories she once told become lost and forgotten.  One day, Alina spots a mermaid in the water nearby who beckons her into the depths to explore the wonders of the sea that Granny had told her about and reclaim her grandmother’s stories.  Venturing beneath the waves with the mermaid through vibrant corals, sunken shipwrecks and underwater delights, Alina finds a way to both re-capture those stories for Granny and keep them burning bright for others for years to come.

Hollie Hughes’ words with wave-like rhythm and gentle rhyme are a tender handhold through the delicate topic of memory loss, cleverly woven into a story that is both moving and uplifting.  With Sarah Massini’s beautiful, other-worldly illustrations transporting you into the depths of the ocean, The Girl and the Mermaid takes you on an intergenerational journey filled with love.  Centred around the special bond between a grandparent and grandchild and the power and beauty of memory and storytelling, this is a gorgeous bedtime read to send children off into dreams of underwater kingdoms and family connection.

The Fights that Make Us by Sarah Hagger-Holt,

(Usborne, February 2024)

We’re such huge fans of Sarah Hagger-Holt’s writing at Literacy Tree and have reviewed and recommended her books many times before in our literature reviews and book lists.  With the recently-released The Fights that Make Us she definitely doesn’t disappoint! This is a perfectly-penned tale that is accessible, unputdownable and crucial for teaching LGBTQIA+ History whilst at the same time feeling relevant and current.

The story is cleverly told from two perspectives – that of Jesse who has recently come out as non-binary and their mum’s late cousin, Lisa, whose secret diary Jesse stumbles upon. In the present day, Jesse is on a journey of self-discovery and beginning to find their people, whilst almost forty years earlier their relative is telling her story about growing up in Thatcher’s Britain, falling in love with her best friend – Nicky – dealing with the prejudice of growing up Queer in the 1980’s and being a part of the movement to prevent Section 28 becoming enshrined in law. Inspired by their teacher and an upcoming history project, Lisa and their best friend – Simran – decide to try and bring Lisa’s story to life but face their own battle against ignorance and prejudice.

This vital and inspiring story is perfect for any child in upper key stage 2, especially those who might be questioning their identity or thinking about coming out – or just those who would like to learn more about LGBTQIA+ history.

On Your Marks, Get Set, Gold!: A Fact-Filled, Funny Guide to Every Olympic Sport by Scott Allen and Antoine Corbineau

(Nosy Crow Publishers, re-issue edition, May 2024)

On Your Marks, Get Set, Gold!: A Fact-Filled, Funny Guide to Every Olympic Sport by Scott Allen is the ultimate light-hearted and informative companion for the upcoming 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. Updated from its original 2021 release, this edition is ready to get everyone excited for the Paris Games.

Allen's witty commentary and Antoine Corbineau's energetic illustrations make this guide a joy to read. Each sport is broken down with insights into upsides and downsides, skills and equipment needed, past champions, and even the lingo to use to sound like a seasoned pro. The Diving page stands out with its focus on the bravery required to leap off a high board, performing intricate acrobatics, and hitting the water at speeds up to 40 km/h without making a splash—truly a test of courage!

The book also introduces you to some of the greatest Olympians in history. Children will be inspired by the perseverance and determination of professional athletes in their quest to become champions!

The commentary uses simple, colloquial terms, making it highly accessible amidst the more technical sport terminology. It begins with a run-down (pardon the pun) of the history of the games, tracing their origins from ancient times and following their evolution to the modern spectacle we enjoy today. Along the way, it highlights the champions and the all-important prizes that have defined the Olympics throughout the ages. Perfect for children of all ages to dive (again – excuse punnage!) into.

The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde, adapted and illustrated by Harry Woodgate

(Andersen Press June 2024; original Oscar Wilde short story 1888)

As a big fan of “Grandad’s Camper”, when I knew that Harry Woodgate was going to adapt and illustrate this classic Oscar Wilde short story, I just had to read it – hot off the press!

At first glance, this is a lovely looking book that will entice readers through its beautiful cover, gold embossed lettering and mauve monotone illustrations and text throughout. Harry Woodgate has skilfully adapted The Happy Prince for a modern readership through not simply retelling the story but updating it for young readers today.

They retain much of the language from the original text, first published in 1888, but this version maintains and updates the moral message for a modern age. An excellent opportunity to spark discussion around recent events and consider what statues signify about our society, perhaps? Woodgate maintains Wilde’s strong anti-capitalist message about society looking after the poor and needy and this version brings highlights this through the transformation of Swallow from a bird to a homeless boy or even possibly a refugee, giving this adaptation added depth and relevance.   

With lots of interesting vocabulary to explore: delicious slumber; green beryls; withered violets, this book is perfect for KS1 & 2 children to read or listen to aloud, and would make a lovely addition to any home or school library and, of course, any teacher’s bookshelf.

Find Peace in a Poem, Poetry about Mindfulness by various authors and illustrators

(Little Tiger, January 2024)

Over the summer holidays, amongst all the possible excitement and running around (hopefully in the sun), it is important to find some rest and calm…however, that is more often than not harder said than done. The mind can zigzag between plans and possibilities. Peace can be as elusive as the end of a rainbow. But poetry can be a powerful way to settle the mind as it is to be read slowly and savoured repeatedly; poetry rushed can evaporate in a shimmer.

This collection – filled with contemporary poets such as Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and the vibrant works of illustrators such as Mariana Roldan ­­­– is all about appreciating those silent moments and resisting the need to fill them up with chatter. These poems revel in delightful detail and revere the simple joys in life, anchoring us into a point in time. Mandy Coe, prolific poet and educationalist, writes in her poem You are Here, ‘In a map of your day you are here…place your finger on this moment.’ Elizabeth Acevedo in her gorgeous poem From Clap When You Land describes the pleasure of swimming, ‘with the water combing my kinks, the cold biting into my skin…’ Each poem uniquely points the way towards mindfulness.

I would recommend this book to any KS2 children who already love poetry or who are looking to broaden their reading prowess over the summer. Perhaps these poems could be read aloud over the holidays as a way to savour those precious moments.

Frida the Rock-And-Roll Moth by Kim Hillyard

(Ladybird, May 2024)

Frida is a moth with a purple guitar and pointy boots. She loves loud music and rocks out whilst her Auntie Edna cheers and claps. But Frida doesn’t always feel confident. In fact, Frida is no longer feeling very shiny at all.  In search of her confidence (and some rock-and-roll companions) she heads towards the Big Bright Light. However, comparing herself to those she finds there leaves her feeling more lost than ever. Dejected, Frida seeks to change herself, but it is only when she returns to her roots that she finds confidence again and shines more brightly than ever.

This story is a reminder that trying to fit in by copying others and rejecting ourselves is not the answer to true inner confidence. It is when we accept ourselves as we are that we shine our brightest. The illustrations are brilliant, and the bright colour choices throughout really emphasise the story. I especially enjoyed Auntie Edna’s unrelenting support - everyone needs an Auntie Edna! I would recommend this book for children in KS1, as well as anyone in need of a reminder of their own shine.

Wilding by Isabella Tree and Angela Harding

(Macmillan, March 2024)

Wilding by Isabella Tree tells the incredible true story of the rewilding of the 3,500 acre Knepp estate in West Sussex. Having inherited the estate as a working dairy farm, the author and her husband made a radical decision over twenty years ago to stop all farming practices and instead focus on bringing nature in all its forms back to the land.

Originally an adult non-fiction book, this children’s version includes stunning photographs and exquisite illustrations from Angela Harding to bring the rewilding journey to life for young nature lovers. It cleverly combines the chronology of this journey with fascinating information about the different species that can be found on the estate, such as Tamworth pigs, Exmoor ponies and – perhaps their most famous residents – white storks.

The book is an uplifting celebration of nature, showing us what can be achieved when we learn to co-exist with, rather than control, the flora and fauna around us. It is the kind of book that can be pored over and returned to time and time again, making it a perfect read for the long summer holiday break.

Flower Block by Lanisha Butterfield and Hoang Giang

(Puffin, June 2024)

Every year we have a sunflower plant in our front garden and last year – to the delight of us all - it grew beyond the height of our front door! And so this book captured my imagination as, in Flower Block Jeremiah and Theo grow a sunflower that magically sprouts up and beyond, not just through their ceiling, but from flat to flat, up and up in their tower block.

The clever word-play of the title as well as the metaphor of that which binds people together; growth of love and character add sophistication to the rich narrative. And the authentic voice of Butterfield – of Black mixed-race heritage, proudly working class and raised by a single mother – gives the text authenticity and will resonate with many.

The illustrations from Hoang Giang are brilliantly detailed and this shows and celebrates life in an urban setting where each resident of the block is beautifully portrayed and whilst a there is a theme of grief underlying the narrative, this is celebratory in showing how nature can unite and excite a community – and help to create community.

This would be the perfect gift for any child on our street in Peckham that has stopped to look at our sunflower. I might leave some copies on the wall this year…

Aya and the Star Chaser by Radiya Hafiza and Kaley McKean

(Macmillan, March 2024)

I am always on the lookout for books with main characters that reflect the culture, religion and dress of the children I have spent most of my career working with.  So when I first picked up Aya and the Star Chaser, I was excited to read it.  Radiya Hafiza’s story is a fantasy tale of good vs evil, a quest to defeat dark powers.  

Aya, who is raised by her loving, but strict, single parent ammu (mum in Bengali), loves star gazing and spends her time daydreaming about what the universe holds.  Until one night she ventures out on a forbidden trip to watch a meteor shower and is struck by a star.  The star burns inside her, giving Aya powers she doesn’t want.  She can breathe flames, shoot stars from her hands and grow snowdrops from her tears.  All of which are very inconvenient when she is trying to keep her adventure a secret.  But when an evil witch and her army of bhoots (ghosts from Bengali folklore) come looking for her, she must use them to save her island home of Alferra and its beloved royal family.

This novel is a real page turner.  The story moves rapidly, with lots of moment of peril and daring, but also of family, friendship and love. There are lots of twists, turns and surprises along the way, as it builds to its dramatic climax. However, what I particularly loved about the story was the way the author tells of Aya’s faith and heritage, without it being the theme of the book.  Aya wears a scarf, she prays, her mother sings verses from the Koran as she moves around the house, but none of these things are what the story is about. They just give us a well-developed sense of character and place.  Aya and her ammu are strong, independent, intelligent, sometimes stubborn, people, who are courageous and caring, and who just happen to be Muslim.

Changing Tides by Júlia Moscardó

(Little Tiger, July 2024)

Theo and his mother have become part of Lula’s family. She’s a little unsure at first: sharing toys is tricky and she doesn't know what having a big brother might be like. They set off on a seaside adventure, caravan in tow. When they arrive at the beach, it is Lula who is on familiar territory and Theo who is a little hesitant. But then his mum suggests that the children work together to build a sandcastle and so begins a beautiful new siblingship. When the tide begins to come in, however, the castle they’re creating (and – ergo – the foundations of their burgeoning relationship) are under threat. But Theo knows to dig a moat so that the water has somewhere to run. After, he collects a pretty selection of shells and together they decorate their beautiful creation: Lula has never made a sandcastle so beautiful. But – just like the fragility of their newly-formed bond – will their castle withstand the incoming storm...?

This is such a joyous and important picture book: I myself have introduced two similarly aged children to one another (and so too has our family caravan featured in those early, introductory water-testing days!) Being thrown into a new family dynamic cannot be easy for children. Step-families (and step parents) are so often vilified and I think that this book will prove to be a perfect starting point as a talking and telling resource for younger children experiencing similar. And, actually, I think it could prove to be a source of hope, because the bond that step-siblings can form if the conditions are right is supportive and enriching. The illustrations are gorgeous and the metaphor through the language and theme is clever. Family set-ups aside, though, there are also themes of love; simple caravan holidays by the sea and cooperation. Perfect for children in EYFS and Year 1.