You may recall at the start of 2018 I completed a blog post of all the books I was excited to read and share with my little ladies. Well I thought I would carry on the tradition. I’ve compiled the piece a little differently this year though, and perhaps why it took a little longer then I envisaged, as I’ve also asked for my daughters input. It was really interesting to see what they chose.
2018 was a great year for picture books and this year is looking like it will be fantastic too.
There are some major book birthdays happening including The Very Hungry Caterpillar turning 50 years (!) , We are Going on a Bear Hunt turning 30 years and Gruffalo turning 20. Amazing!
Now on to new releases for 2019!
The Questioneers Ada Twist and The Perilous Pantaloons by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts. Published April 2019
The Questioneers, book two is soon to be released and this time all eyes are on Ada. We absolutely love the picture book series featuring Ada and friends and hooray for the chapter books. When Rosie Revere’s Uncle Ned gets a little carried away wearing his famous helium pants, it’s up to Ada and friends to chase him down. Complete with David Roberts illustrations I am sure this will be an entertaining read.
Lola Starts School by Anne McQuinn and illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw. Published June 2019.
I am sure this will be a brilliant book to introduce to any young ones due to start a learning setting. Anna McQuinn is very skilled at writing about significant topics sensitively for young readers and my daughters always enjoy reading about Lola and her younger brother Zeki. Rosalind Beardshaw’s illustrations always make us smile and it is wonderful to see Lola about to embark on a big school adventure.
A Walk Through Nature A Clover Robin Peek Through Book written by Libby Walden
Published March 2019
You will know from previous blog posts we love Clover Robin’s and Libby Walden’s work. This peek through book has been described as a first nature book. The book encourages little ones to look at all the intricacies of nature and I’m sure it will encourage lots of outdoor exploring.
Animal Homes by Libby Walden and illustrated by Clover Robin.
The fun shaped board book is back and in the summer Animal Homes will be published, hooray. The other books in the series I have previously reviewed can be found here. My girls think they are brilliant, as do I. This lift the flap book is sure to be popular. Keep your eyes peeled.
My Grandma and Me by Mina Javaherbin and illustrated by Lindsey Yankey. Published March 2019.
I am sure you will know I am partial to a read that includes a grandparent and this diverse book sounds and looks like such a sweet read. Mina, the young girl in the story, has a very loving relationship with her grandma and this book is described as “a love letter of the rarest sort.” I look forward to reading this one.
Hello, Mr Dinosaur by Sam Boughton. Published February 2019
I am sure my two year old will enjoy this vibrant lift the flap board book. Sam Boughton combines facts within this fun, witty read which my eldest would find very useful right now as her topic at school is all about dinosaurs. Also available is Hello, Mrs Elephant. I shall a keep a look out for these.
The Tide by Clare Helen Walsh and illustrated by Ashling Lindsay. Published April 2019
This book sounds like a powerful and emotive story and complete with Ashling Lindsay’s brilliant art work I am sure it will be a touching read. The granddad in this story has dementia and the story is based around a family helping one another to understand what dementia means and how they can support granddad. I feel emotional writing about a book I haven’t read yet, perhaps because of personal experience, but I am definitely looking forward to reading it.
Musa and Friends. Published by Muslim Childrens Books.
Musa and friends are part of a series of books that are aimed at preschoolers and up. I cannot wait to see what these reads are like, written by Zanib Mian and illustrated by Daniel Hills. Titles in the series include, Go To The Masjid and Do Ramadan.
Little Things by Nick Dyer and illustrated by Kelly Pousette
Published March 2019
This beautifully illustrated read sounds wonderful and is based around the little things that can make a huge difference.
The Worrysaurus by Rachel Bright and illustrated by Chris Chatterton Published November 2019
We are big fans of Rachel Bright’s and Chris Chatterton’s (also resides in the North East) work so I am super excited to see this book. The adorable illustrated dinosaur has planned a picnic but then he starts to get worrying feelings. I wonder how this story unfolds. Have to wait a while for this one but sure it will be worth it.
What’s Next By Timothy Knapman and illustrated by Jane Mc Guinness Published March 2019
A tale of a curious baby badger. After exploring with daddy badger, baby badger is intrigued. What’s Next? Complete with illustrations by the very talented Jane Mc Gunniess, who we love and have a completed a review of her work previously, Say Hi to Hedgehogs , I look forward to sharing this book with my little ladies.
Leila in Saffron by Rukhsanna Guidroz and illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova Published June 2019.
This sounds brilliant and just look at that inviting front cover. A young Muslim girl, Leila is struggling to like what she sees when she looks in the mirror. On a visit to her grandmothers house she is led on a journey of discovery and identity. Excited for this one to be released.
The Way to Treasure Island by Lizzy Stewart. Published June 2019.
Lizzy Stewart is super talented. This book is based around Matilda and her father. They are two very different people who go off on an adventure to find treasure but they get lost! Though they are different they still have lots of fun. We are looking forward to this fun filled story.
The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard and illustrated by Laura Horton Published April 2019
I love the cover of this book. The story is based around a young girl who fasts for the day and as the story unfolds you learn more about Ramadan and the girls experience of not being able to eat food during sunlit hours. This could be a lovely one to share in a learning setting as well at home.
The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green and illustrated by Claire McElfatrick Published March 2019
This non-fiction read sounds amazing. My family and I love finding out about trees and observing how each tree in our area changes in the different seasons. Trees are just so beautiful and I am sure my eldest in particular will enjoy discovering more facts about trees in this wonderfully illustrated read.
The Brontes -Astonishing Authors by Anna Doherty
This will be a great book to introduce the famous Bronte sisters to my girls. I can’t wait to share this with them and teach them about these talented sisters.
The Yellow Suitcase by Meera Siriam and illustrated by Meera Sethi Published March 2019.
This book is amied at children 7 and above, so a little mature for my daughters but it is one I am looking forward to reading.
Asha travels with her parents from America to India to mourn her grandmother’s passing. Asha’s grief and anger are compounded by the empty yellow suitcase usually reserved for gifts to and from Grandma, but when she discovers a gift left behind just for her, Asha realizes that the memory of her grandmother will live on inside her, no matter where she lives.
I Have and Idea by Herve Tullet
Published May 2019
Herve Tullet is so talented and his books have proved a great success. The Game of Lines was one of the books that I shared when my blog was super new so you can understand my girls and I have appreciated his work for some time. This book is all about the creative process and I am sure it will be a book that appeals to young and older readers.
I thought I saw a Monkey by Ruth Symons and illustrated by Lydia Nichols
Published May 2019
My 2 year will be super happy about this one. She really enjoys the other books in the series that were published last year including I thought I saw an elephant. With its board book format and moveable parts I am sure this will be a new favourite amongst toddlers.
Little People Big Dreams Maria Montessori by Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Raquel Martin Published March 2019
There is no denying that the Little People Big Dreams is an absolute corker of a series. This year the series introduces males including Stephen Hawkins, Bruce Lee, Muhammed Ali and Mahatma Gandhi. Also out this year is Maria Montessori and as a teacher, and one who has spent a lot of time in the early years I look forward to sharing the story of Maria Montessori with my family.
There are so many brilliant books to come this year and I hope my blog post has given you a taster of ones we are excited about.
I hope your January has been a good one so far. Until my next blog post, happy reading!
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