I have chosen to share this book with you because I think it is one of those little gems that people may dismiss as just being a sticker book when it is actually so much more. This book not only supports literacy development but also fine motor skills, colour recognition and the ability to pattern and number match.
I am slowly running out of books from my childhood but have been on the phone to my mum to send me some more that she has on her shelf. I love looking back at books that I have enjoyed as a child and I am finding so many of you also have enjoyed them as children too and have shared your fond memories.
Another book gifted to me as a child but this time from my nana, she was known for cooking delicious food especially her scones which she could whip up in minutes. So it was not surprising when she gifted me this cookbook which was probably considered quite cool in the 80's.
Heartwood Hotel, is just as endearing as it sounds, taking me back to my childhood where you imagine animals such as Mona scurrying about, leading lives just like us humans, making friendships and finding “home”.
When you take the time to open a book, you never know just what you might get. It seems like a simple story on friendship but then you’re delighted to discover it is more than that. It’s about middle graders who put others ahead of themselves, it’s about reaching out to the community to give back, and dynamics between people. It’s also about the journey of self and discovering all that you have to give is so much more than you ever imagined.
When you open a book and before you even get to the first chapter you read a statement that says "No chickens were hurt during the course of writing this book, because chickens are good and we LIKE chickens" you know the book is going to be a little bit quirky and a lot of funny.
Andy Lee is not someone you think of as an author of a children's book, well I don't anyway, I usually associate him adult humour. Andy is quite adamant that the pages shouldn't be turned....but it is just too tempting of course and well read on to find out more...
"We are all different , as different as can be...But now look closer" and just like that I was engaged from start to finish, the author had captured my attention and imagination from the first page.
The joy in his face and words didn't stop. He would get so excited about so many details about the book. Constantly pointing to what delighted him most in the book. He and I had never met before, yet he was not afraid to share his happiness with me.
I loved this Thea Stilton Graphic novel and thought it gave a beautifully strong message to young girls and boys to believe in themselves, and that they can do anything you put your mind to!
Little Big Reads 