So BookBairn has started school! And she is really loving it - to be honest I knew she would once she got over separation anxiety and sett...
So BookBairn has started school! And she is really loving it - to be honest I knew she would once she got over separation anxiety and settled in because she is so ready to learn. But we also did lots of reading of stories about starting school, and school based stories because I knew that given the situation with Covid-19 restrictions, the lack of transition visits might make it more difficult to settle. And the books certainly helped!
Below is a quick-flick through video of some of our favourites and you can find them all listed on my Amazon Shop page. And below are full reviews of the ones we read the most!
This is the best 'Going to School' book I've ever read. It goes through the main elements of the day as well as sharing lots of the fun and wonderful ways the children learn and the teachers teach. From a teacher's point of view, it shows the way we strive to make every element of learning fun and exciting and how we try to appeal to all the different interest and learning styles of the children whilst still applying all those elements within the wider curriculum. From a kid's point of view this book shows lots of the awesome things you can do at school as well as eases some of the anxiety they might have about all the new things they might encounter and it focuses on some of the transitions in school - drop off, pick up, lunch and break times as well as different spaces like the cloakroom, gym hall, computer room. I adore the illustrations by Rose Blake - they capture the life and soul of school life in a class of diverse students so that every child can see themselves in this book. There’s also clever little stories woven in the illustrations so on each read you can spot something different making it great fun to read over and over which is exactly what you will want to do to support new school starts. A very well thought out, fun and colourful book!
If you haven’t seen the original Colour Monster book I can only implore you to read it by telling you it’s a fantastic feelings book full of colour, character and fun and if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on the pop-up edition (the one we have) then you’re in possession of one of the most incredible examples of picture book perfection! But anyway... Colour Monster is off to school and he’s not so sure, he’s a bundle of mixed feelings. But with a little persuasion he spends a yellow happy day with all his classmates and realised that school is a wonderful adventure to be shared with friends. Our favourite part is actually the endpapers where you see all the drawings that the children have created of Colour Monster and leaves a little space for you to add your own! Such a fun way to end the story!
It’s a big day for Mouse! Her first day of school. But she doesn’t want to go. Not one bit. Lucky for her, just like BookBairn, her class is full of friends. The teacher sets the children a challenge to find something special; Owl finds some feathers, Rabbit found a carrot, Frog found a tadpole (his brother or sister perhaps?) and Mole stumbles on gold. But what Mouse finds is even more special: friends. The characters from Twit Two School are enchanting and we look forward to following them on another adventure soon! And the book ends on BookBairn’s favourite part: “[Mouse] found that she didn’t like school... She LOVED it, and she couldn’t wait to find out what tomorrow would bring!”
This is a funny and reassuring book for little ones about to start school, featuring counting classes for ladybirds, hopping lessons for fleas and lots of fun for all the creatures at bug school. BookBairn loves looking at the illustrations in this one - enjoying noticing all the little details. And although this is a book about a bug school it does have all the key elements of school - from teachers, to friendships, to break time and lunch time, even the toilets, so it covers lots of things you want to chat about with your child before starting school. Written in rhyme it’s also a lot of fun to read aloud.
How do dragons behave at school? Do they throw the crayons, refuse to share the toys and set fire to the building? Of course not! Dragons don’t do that!! But behaving at school isn’t always easy. A lovely way of taking to children about rules, routines and being a good friend and classmate. Written in rhyme with a lovely cast of characters and a little star in the dragon! I love that the teacher only appears as a pair of legs and feet and the whole day centres around the children. The way a school day should be!
Pirates don’t go to School, right? They sail the high seas, hunt for treasure swab the poop deck, evade sea monsters. Ao when Jake declares that he wants to go to school his family are horrified! They tell him school is full of rotten rules and monstrous teachers but nevertheless Jake is determined to go to school. But despite his fears, he has a brilliant day at school, especially with the highjinks of his stowaway parrot. In fact he finds out that he gets to do all his favourite things: singing, rope climbing, splashy mess-making! And he even manages to convince his family to re-think their attitude to school. A wonderfully fun story about finding your ‘sea legs’, this is a lovely story for any children who might be nervous about starting their own school adventure. Or for anyone who loves a pirate story! Or just for anyone who loves a picture book quite frankly!
This is the story of a young boy on his first day of school and not only is her determined to have a good day, it’s going to rule! Starting from when the boy first gets up, through breakfast and on the school bus, this story is packed full of royal puns that will tickle grown ups as they read and will make it real for little ones the idea that he is a king! I love the little crown motif that is peppered through all the illustrations and BookBairn loves spotting them as we read. Into the classroom, meeting the teacher, and having so much fun, the little boy is also a fantastic role model for making new friends. And of course he’s excited to return to school the next day! Such a fun and clever book (worth noting this one has a lot of features from the US school system - no uniform, yellow buses, but there’s also a lot that is universal about a first school experience so it’s got plenty of appeal for UK readers too.)
The little girl in this story starts school today. Her parents tell her it will be fun but she starts to worry about a whole list of things that might go wrong (fuelled by her big brothers lies). From rhinos at the gate to bears who won’t share, she believes there are all sorts of things that could go wrong on the first day of school. But grandma sets things straight and helps her realise that maybe the rhino and the bear are there to help? That things might go all right! Written in rhyme and full of jokes and out of this world imaginings, this is a hilarious book to read aloud and a great way to get kids ready for school.
Such a lovely book for counting down the sleeps until ‘kindergarten’ starts! Though the terminology ‘kindergarten isn’t really used here in the UK, we’ve still been enjoying this adorable book which helps children prepare for all the excitement of their first day of school. Counting down the number of sleeps and talking about ten exciting things about school from wearing new clothes to going to a bus and packing your own lunch (worth noting that one of these is pledging allegiance to the flag which makes this aimed at an American audience) until reaching zero sleeps because the big day is here!! And the most exciting thing of all? Making new friends! This book has gorgeous illustrations and is full of energy and excitement and will have kids looking forward to starting school.
I hope this helps if you're little one is starting school soon! If you are looking for more of our very favourite starting school books check outmy Amazon shop and click on the section for Going to School Books.
Happy starting school!
Kim and the bairns x
Disclaimer: We were sent some of these books free for review purposes by the publishers. Words and opinions are my own. If you click on the title or image of the book you will be sent to amazon.co.uk using an affiliate link. This means that if you choose to purchase on amazon.co.uk, I will receive a small sum (around 20-70p per book) from amazon at no extra cost to you. I understand that you may not want to use an affiliate link, but if you like reading our blog please just think of it as a small tip for a tip-off to an awesome book. And know that your support means I can buy more books! For more information check out our 'For Our Readers' section.
That's it! August has come round and BookBainr started school! I have a lot of starting school books reviewed over on Instagram and h...
That's it! August has come round and BookBainr started school! I have a lot of starting school books reviewed over on Instagram and hopefully (now she's at school and the Wee Page Turner's at nursery) I'll have some time to collate them into a full blog post. But I always make time for your posts in Kids Love to Read!
And back to this month's link-up, if you share or review children's books or are raising a reader whilst writing a blog then our co-hosted monthly linky with Laura's Lovely Blog! Kids Love to Readis a link-up to share blog posts written by other bloggers that star wonderful children's books. It's a great way to find new blogs to read and new book recommendations too, as well as invite people to come and read your own blog.
So if you write about your favourite children's books I would love it if you link-up your post! And I'm looking forward to reading them all!
Laura has also set up a Pinterest Board for Kids Love to Read, where she pins everyone’s posts featured, as well as lots of lovely bookish posts. If you would like to join as a co-contributor please message me. The more the merrier!
Last Month's Favourites
My favourite post last month camefrom Wee Reads who reviewed a book that I immediately went out to buy - the latest Mini Rabbit from John Bond! We love Mini Rabbit so when BookBairn spotted it in the bookshop we were definitely bring it home with us and it's so much fun.
Laura's favourite came from At Home a Lotwho shared a book by Matt Haig - I've read a few of his children's books and particularly enjoyed Evie and the Animals so I'll need to look this one up!
Linky Rules:
– Write about reading with children, share your love and your children’s love of books, what do you love to read together, how do you encouraging reading and books with your little or not so little ones? Books you love or book reviews.
– This Linky is open every 3rd Monday of the month for one week.
– Grab the Kids Love to Read badge and pop it in your post. It's linked at the end of the post for you.
– Use the #KLTR hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.
– Share the love – try and read & comment the host’s posts and on 2 other blogs listed on the Linky.
We look forward to reading your posts! And don't forget to enter the competition below!
We have a fabulous giveaway this month of What the Ladybird Heard on Holiday by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks - one we've not read yet but would love to get our hands on because we LOVE the original book in the series.
*Terms and conditions: Entries are open to UK residents. The competition closes on the the 13th September 2020. Winners will be announced on social media and contacted via email. If the winner does not respond to the email in two weeks, a new winner will be randomly chosen. Please allow extra time for prize delivery due to current pandemic restrictions. Host reserves the right to substitute the prize for a suitable alternative in case of problems with supply. No cash alternative available.
You may have read in one of my recent posts that I decided I was no longer doing blog tours. Yup! No more. However... I couldn't resist...
You may have read in one of my recent posts that I decided I was no longer doing blog tours. Yup! No more. However...
I couldn't resist this one! We adore all of Morag Hood's books! So I wasn't going to turn this one down. In fact, it was featured in my Exciting Upcoming Picture Book post and we have certainly really enjoyed reading it!
I knew from the premise of this one it was going to be laugh out loud funny and the bairns really do enjoy this one and we've read it several times. It tells the story of Duck who has lost his spaghetti. It has vanished. But never fear, Tiny Horse has a plan to save the day. But what exactly do you bring on a spaghetti hunt? And this is where things get interesting and the bairns start shouting at the book "no, silly Tiny Horse!!" Tiny Horse wisely and without hesitation packs a spade, a fishing rod, a jar of peanut butter, cutlery (I mean these might actually be useful) and some binoculars - obviously! Cue: hysterical laughter from the bairns.
Together they search far and wide but all they come up with as worms, a ball of string and even a snake. But no spaghetti! Disaster! So Duck decides it's probably better to consult his recipe book and gathers flour, eggs and a pasta maker and sets about making his own spaghetti. But does Tiny Horse approve?
This really is a laugh out loud caper that on the surface may seem like just a silly story but it actually opens questions about where our food comes from and encourages home cooking too!
Brimming with wit and dry humour as well as lots of fun and Morag's typical simple-but-not-simplistic illustrations (how she gets across all those character expressions in such simple lines and colours is beyond me!), this is such a superb read!
As are all her books! I really could not choose a favourite as all have held high places in our hearts!
When Grandad Was a Penguin - we changed the words to when Papa was a Penguin and BookBairn enjoyed reading this over and over when she was about 2-3.
Colin and Lee Carrot and Pea - one of the first books that we heard BookBairn read aloud to us because we read it so many times she had memorised it.
I am Bat - without a doubt, this was The Wee Page Turner's first favourite book. Also gave us that comical moment when something upset BookBairn (I can't remember what) and she declared: "I will never be happy again!" - a quote from this book.
Aalfred and Aalbert - read this on the tram into and from Edinburgh when going to and fro an Edinburgh Book Festival event - so probably about 8 times on repeat! Making it the most read book in one session!
The Steves - because who doesn't love a puffin?!
Brenda is a Sheep - because... I'm running out of book connections, so we love this one because it's just blooming great!
Morag has kindly shared some activities and resources for download which I have linked below (click on the images to find the links) And if you want to stop off on one of the other blogs on the tour I've popped that banner below so you can find all the awesome content about this newest release!
Happy reading!
Kim and the bairns x
Disclaimer: This book was sent by the publisher for review. Words and opinions are my own. Please read our Review Policy if you want to know more. If you click on the image of the book below you will be sent to Amazon.co.uk using an affiliate link. This means that if you choose to purchase on Amazon.co.uk, I will receive a small sum (around 20-90p per book) from Amazon at no extra cost to you. I understand that you may not want to use an affiliate link, but if you like reading our blog post please just think of it as a small tip for a tip-off to an awesome book. And know that your support means I can buy more books! For more information check out our For Readers Section.
Gosh, is it just me or has July gone by in a flash? BookBairn starts school in just three weeks and I can't believe it! The Wee Page...
Gosh, is it just me or has July gone by in a flash? BookBairn starts school in just three weeks and I can't believe it! The Wee Page Turner also starts nursery and all things being well he has been allocated 9-3 five days a week so I really don't know what I'm going to do with myself other than bask in the free time and read some books (but seriously I have a book draft to finish and a mountain of DIY and home improvement to organise that will keep me busy for a while!). And hopefully I'll have some more time for reviews and blogging which has really taken a serious hit in lockdown as I just don't have the energy even when I do have the time. But no more excuses because there's always time for Kids Love to Read!
So back to this month's link-up, if you share or review children's books or are raising a reader whilst writing a blog then our co-hosted monthly linky with Laura's Lovely Blog! Kids Love to Readis a link-up to share blog posts written by other bloggers that star wonderful children's books. It's a great way to find new blogs to read and new book recommendations too, as well as invite people to come and read your own blog.
So if you write about your favourite children's books I would love it if you link-up your post! And I'm looking forward to reading them all!
Laura has also set up a Pinterest Board for Kids Love to Read, where she pins everyone’s posts featured, as well as lots of lovely bookish posts. If you would like to join as a co-contributor please message me. The more the merrier!
Last Month's Favourites
My favourite post last month camefrom The Next Best Thing to Mummy who reviewed a book that we also enjoyed all about being true to yourself and loving the things you love! I've linked my Instagram post about it below too.
Laura's favourite came from Book Nerd Cafewho shared a book about Fierce and Fearless Girls which I have immediately added to my wish list!
Linky Rules:
– Write about reading with children, share your love and your children’s love of books, what do you love to read together, how do you encouraging reading and books with your little or not so little ones? Books you love or book reviews.
– This Linky is open every 3rd Monday of the month for one week.
– Grab the Kids Love to Read badge and pop it in your post. It's linked at the end of the post for you.
– Use the #KLTR hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.
– Share the love – try and read & comment the host’s posts and on 2 other blogs listed on the Linky.
We look forward to reading your posts! And don't forget to enter the competition below!
We have a fabulous giveaway this month of Fantastically Great Women Who Made History by Kate Pankhurst - a book I love about mighty women who have made a difference! *Terms and conditions: Entries are open to UK residents. The competition closes on the the 28th August 2020. Winners will be announced on social media and contacted via email. If the winner does not respond to the email in two weeks, a new winner will be randomly chosen. Please allow extra time for prize delivery due to current pandemic restrictions. Host reserves the right to substitute the prize for a suitable alternative in case of problems with supply. No cash alternative available.
One of the things I told myself this year was that to better manage my workload I would not be taking part in any blog tours, but.... I made...
One of the things I told myself this year was that to better manage my workload I would not be taking part in any blog tours, but....
I made an exception! Because I just ADORE Bethan Woollvin's fairytale series soooo much (I've linked my review to those here), I wanted to see what sort of might girl character she would create! And she's a wonder! She's smart, she's strong, and she is DEFINITELY in charge! Her brothers say she is too little to go off monster hunting but Bo has other ideas. And she sees the monsters differently too. I love this! Bethan has created a totally new fairytale character for modern kids and she has done it with characteristic wit, short and snappy prose and, what at first glance may appear to be simple illustrations, though they are far from simplistic and I'll defy you to find many illustrators as talented at bringing to life characters in such few paint strokes.
Below Bethan tells us about her process of brining the characters to life and shares some of the process of her creation of the book through photographs.
There can be quite a few steps involved in creating a picture book, and my latest story I Can Catch a Monster was no exception! When I began working on this project, I first started by creating a general story using a storyboard, which helped me to quickly plot out my story through basic sketches. Then, building upon these sketches, I formed more refined drawings for my rough artwork, including a loose medieval environment, some basic character sketches and of course - lots of monster doodles! Next, I progressed onto creating the final artwork, which I sketched and painted over a light box. The last stage was to edit all of the final artwork in Photoshop, ready for print. On average, each spread of a book takes me ten days to complete from start to finish, meaning for the standard 32 page picture book, it can take me around 6 months to complete - sometimes longer!
The stage I anticipate the most is painting the final artwork. As I Can Catch a Monster was my first original tale, I spent a long time working on the storyboards and rough sketches to make sure it was working well. Pulling all of my ideas together for each spread, I sketched out the scenes of the storyin preparation for painting. Using a refreshing new colour palette of a deep teal, zingy orange and eye-popping magenta, I began painting my artwork, really bringing it to life! Like all of my books, I painted the artwork for I Can Catch a Monster with my preferred medium - gouache paint. This type of paint dries flat and opaque, giving it a screen printed aesthetic whichI love! Painting my artwork by hand is a process that I really enjoy and feel confident with, especially since I’ve been holding a paintbrush since I was young!
Thank you so much Bethan!! It's fascinating to hear and see inside the process! And do check out the other stops on the blog tour!
If you're looking for a modern fairytale with amazing artwork, you must check out Bo!
Once upon a time... Happy Reading!
Kim and the bairns
Disclaimer: This book was sent by the publisher for review. Words and opinions are my own. Please read our Review Policy if you want to know more. If you click on the image of the book below you will be sent to Amazon.co.uk using an affiliate link. This means that if you choose to purchase on Amazon.co.uk, I will receive a small sum (around 20-90p per book) from Amazon at no extra cost to you. I understand that you may not want to use an affiliate link, but if you like reading our blog post please just think of it as a small tip for a tip-off to an awesome book. And know that your support means I can buy more books! For more information check out our For Readers Section.
I have always read children’s books, and never grew out of reading them. As a long-standing children’s book blogger, I have been reviewing kids books for over 8 years and have built up a community of like-minded parents, teachers and kids book lovers.
Focussing on children’s books for primary aged children (5-12), I highlight the best new releases as well as curating themed lists and spotlighting older releases. I have an established trust with my readership as an expert in the children’s book field, sharing honest and well-considered reviews.
I am an outspoken advocate for libraries and as a teacher-on-hiatus am passionate about children’s literacy.
