Hortense and the Shadow

Hortense and the Shadow

Written by Natalia O'Hara
Illustrated by Lauren O'Hara

Published by Puffin

When I received this book through the post, it felt like receiving a little bit of magic; with its gold foiled title, beautiful illustrations, and a dark fairy tale feel, it truly is a magical book that will remind you of fables you read as a child.

Meet Hortense, a small girl who lives in a big wood. Hortense is sad because she hates her shadow; it went everywhere she went and when night would fall it would become tall and dark and crooked. So Hortense decides she wants to hide it, behind columns and in holes but it grew worse until one evening, Hortense is able to outrun her shadow and cut it off with a sash window. Her shadow is now lost and Hortense seems happy until one night the door shook with knocks. In the dark, Hortense goes to check outside and finds herself surrounded by bandits. But with a terrible flash, shadows appear in the window which scare away the bandits - Its Hortense's shadow to the rescue and Hortense knows she must win her shadow back.

This is a stunning debut book by an exciting new author and illustrator pairing, sisters Natalia and Lauren O'Hara. You can see their inspiration is classic picture books and fables with a touch of eastern European. The book is beautiful and has a classic feel about it with a strong message of embracing all sides of yourself.

I think I'll be keeping this beautiful book for myself! 

Alison Hubble

Alison Hubble

By Allan Ahlberg & Bruce Ingman (Illustrator)

Published by Puffin

This is the story of Alison Hubble, who went to bed single and woke up DOUBLE! An ingenious new picture book from the creative team behind the Red House Children's Book Award winner.

Alison Hubble is shocked when she wakes up to find a twin in the bed next to her. And she keeps doubling . . . and doubling . . . and doubling! The thing is Alison has always wanted a brother, but instead she's about to end up with a lot more than just one new sibling!

As funny as it is mathematical, Alison Hubble is a treat to read. Allan Ahlberg weaves a modern classic rhyming story that is fun to read aloud. Bruce Ingman's illustrations are brilliant, reminding me of classic books such as Madeline. The perfect book for a parent and child to read together and will be a sure fire hit with children who prefer the more surreal and hilarious kind of picture book.

Alison Hubble is available to buy now from all good bookshops and on the Puffin Books website.

This Is Not A Bedtime Story

This Is Not A Bedtime Story

By Will Mabbitt & Fred Blunt (Illustrator)

Published by Puffin

If you're looking for a new bedtime story, this may be the best alternative to those usual cute and cuddly ones. A new hilarious picture book from the equally hilarious Will Mabbitt and Fred Blunt.

Sophie doesn't want a story time filled with the usual cute kittens and birthday parties. What Sophie wants is a story filled with rocket launching helicopters and a giant robot dinosaur! Sophie's dad isn't going to have an easy bedtime read tonight!

This is a truly funny and fresh picture book which does away with the usual cute picture books that some children would rather not read at bedtime. Will Mabbitt's story is a fun filled one, with plenty of laugh out loud moments and full of imagination. Fred Blunt's illustrations are the perfect match to Will's text and is fun and chaotic, and captures Sophie's imagination perfectly. Although titled 'This Is Not A Bedtime Story' I'd argue to say it's not the usual, but would still make the perfect bedtime read for those children looking for something a bit more funny and exciting! 

This Is Not A Bedtime Story is available to buy now from all good bookshops and from the Puffin Books website.

Interview with Sophy Henn

Sophy Henn lives and works in Sussex, England. She writes and illustrates children's books in her studio, with a large cup of tea by her side, and can't quite believe her luck. Where Bear?, her first book, was nominated for both the Kate Greenaway Medal and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize in 2015. Pom Pom Gets the Grumps won Junior Design Awards Best Book of the Year 2015, and Sophy won Best Emerging Talent (Children's Author). She was also the World Book Day Illustrator for 2015 and 2016.

BWB: This is your third Pom Pom picture book. Out of the three which one is your favourite?

SH: Oh heavens, that's like asking someone to chose between their children! Hmmm. I have a huge soft spot for Grumps as it was the original Pom Pom. I didn't know he would have a series at that point and it was written as a stand alone book. The story is based on the real life events that inspired Pom Pom. A lovely little girl having a bit of a moment and telling everyone to "GO AWAY" over and over until everyone did. Then she got a bit worried and we heard her calling out for everyone in a very little, worried voice. Being a toddler is so tricky, all these new situations, emotions and hormones, you are constantly having to work out the 'right' response to things and trying to remember to keep things in check. The idea behind Grumps was to reassure the reader that everyone has bad days, but it's not the end of the world, you just have to own your mistakes and say sorry. Oh, and to make the reader laugh, obviously! But getting to create Champion and Super as well was amazing. Showing the different aspects of Pom Pom has been lovely, I think Super in particular shows another side of Pom Pom, a little more introspective and unsure of himself. So basically I love them all equally (but maybe one a little bit more for sentimental reasons)! 

BWB: I think Pom Pom would make a great preschool tv show. Would you ever consider going that direction with him?

SH: Thank you! It's funny, but a few people have said that since Pom Pom is Super has come out and having thought about it I could imagine Pom Pom tearing it up on the TV! I love a lot of Pre School TV and I have done my fair share of viewing ( I was in the original Balamory and Bob the Builder era!), I might even be known to watch the occasional episode of Hey Duggee!, which is amazing. The spirit of the Pom Pom books is a positive one, celebrating different characters and the joy, excitement and occasional upset that comes with being so little and discovering new things all the time.  I think so long as the programme stayed true to that, the illustration style and characters, then I would definitely consider a Pom Pom TV show. I am now imagining the theme tune!

BWB: Are pandas your favourite type of bear? If so, why?

SH: I love all bears! But Pom Pom had to be a panda, even before he got his name! As I mentioned before the inspiration came from a momentarily furious little girl but I knew I didn't want the character to be a little girl or boy as that seemed too gender specific so I started thinking about animals. I love the You Tube clip Pandas on a Slide, the Pandas are just so happy and laid back, rolling into on another and lolling about at the bottom of the slide, in no hurry to move on or get out of the way of the next sliding Panda. There are no sudden movements, they all just seem very happy. The idea of combining a furious little person with a chilled out, cute and cuddly Panda made me laugh and Pom Pom was born!

BWB: Can we expect more adventures with Pom Pom soon?

SH: Oh I hope so! Pom Pom is always in my mind, I am always jotting down things I have seen or overheard that seem Pom Pom-ish to me! My next book is about a human girl though...

BWB: Who is your favourite fictional bear and why?

SH: Oh heavens, that's like the first question...almost impossible to answer, there are lots of excellent bears about, Balloo, Paddington, Mr.Panda (I'm a stickler for manners!), Jon Klasson's bear with the missing hat, Fred the Bear and of course David Litchfield's piano playing bear. But if I am only allowed one then I think I am going to have to go for the classic....Winnie the Pooh. AA Milne's stories and the themes within them are timeless, endearing, joyous and occasionally heartbreaking, I have learnt many a life lesson from Winnie the Pooh. And EH Shepard's beautiful and seemingly effortless illustrations give such heart to the characters. Winnie's top spot was cemented by my daughter loving him too, though she called him Winnie-a-pooh. Bless!

Thank you to Sophy for once again letting me pick her brains! If you would like to see more of her wonderful work check out her website here. Pom Pom is Super is available to buy now at all good bookshops.

POM POM is Super

POM POM is Super

By Sophy Henn

Published by Puffin

Pom Pom is back again and he's more SUPER than ever! In his third outing, Pom Pom is discovering all his friends have 'super' talents - but what makes him special? Another gem from super talented Sophy Henn has landed!

One morning Pom Pom bursts from his bed, he's super excited that his friends are coming round to play. He gets everything ready; his best toys all out and lined up and lots and lots of snacks. DING DONG! went the doorbell. His first guest was here! Buddy flashes in and announces that he's Buddy the FANTASTIC Footballing Flash! Then Rocco turns up dressed as The Ant King, along with SCOUT the SPECTACULAR! Last to arrive is Baxter, dressed as Twinkly Twirly TORNADO BEAR. 

All his friends all looked super, and Pom Pom wanted to be super too, but what was he super at? He tried juggling but that didn't end well (especially when you use biscuits), he gives being a super-duper tidy-upper a go (but he decides that's not really something he wanted to be super at), maybe he was a superhero that could fly? Unfortunately Pom Pom finds out that Pandas aren't meant to leave the ground and comes down with a thump. With a little help from his friends, Pom Pom discovers that he's not just super at one thing, he's SHOUTY HULA DISCO Pom Pom!

All the usual ingredients are here; Sophy's colourful and bright illustrations we've come to recognise through all her books and a heart warming, funny story about friendship and finding out what you're good at. Of course this Pom Pom outing has that extra dash of 'super' which makes it the perfect book for your little superheroes.

Pom Pom is Super is available to buy now at all good bookshops and online at Puffin here. I caught up with Sophy to get more Pom Pom exclusives and ask her some bear related questions. Check out the interview here.

Goodnight Spaceman

Goodnight Spaceman

Written by Michelle Robinson
Illustrated by Nick East

Published by Puffin

After following Tim Peake's time in space, which has flown by, Goodnight Spaceman was produced in collaboration with the European Space Agency and Tim himself. The book is inspired by his mission and his own two young sons, who dream of joining their dad on his adventures in space. 

It's nighttime, and two little boys are getting ready for bed. With the curtains open, they say goodnight shuttle, base, deepest, darkest space. 'Goodnight spaceman, far away.' And counting down, it's lift off....the two brothers are transported to a rocket that is about to take off. With the boys on board, they leave the world behind and make their way to the space station where their dad is waiting to welcome them aboard. Then it's time to explore outside the space station and say goodnight to all the stars and planets before it's time to return to Earth and their beds.

Goodnight Spaceman is a lovely book that will encourage an interest in science and space. Even though the story is about the boys' imagination, and dreaming of seeing their dad, the book is a nice simple introduction for young children into space, planets and what else may be found out there in the dark.

The letter at the beginning from Tim Peake, makes a lovely touch, especially for children who have been following Tim, these last 6 months. The illustrations are colourful and work well with the rhyming story which I enjoyed. I'm sure it will be a hit with your little space explorers.

This is the sixth book for Michelle Robinson and Nick East in the Goodnight series. A delightful book that will get young children excited about space. Available in all good book shops or online here.

Pass It On

Pass It On

By Sophy Henn

Published by Puffin

Pass It On is the latest book by Sophy Henn, last year's World Book Day illustrator. Having reviewed Sophy's last three books; Where Bear?, Pom Pom gets the grumps and Pom Pom the Champion, you can't help but love Sophy's bright and colourful style.

Pass It On is a joyful book that will make you smile - if you spot something great, or chance upon a chuckle, or spot a thing of wonder, jump for joy and pass it on. A positive book all about spreading happiness. We follow a little boy, from the moment he wakes up, to all the wonderful things he sees and does and all the happy moments he experiences. 

Sophy Henn has a unique and contemporary style which works well with her warm style of writing. Like her previous books, I like her use of solid background colours and limited use of colour for the characters and objects, and using the screen printed effect, it softens the edges. This book oozes happiness which is great and will hopefully help children and adults find happiness in everyday things!

If you're a fan of Pom Pom, keep an eye out for him, as he's being taken for a thrilling ride! Pass It On is available in all good bookshops and online here.

Pom Pom the Champion

Pom Pom the Champion

Written and illustrated by Sophy Henn
Published by Puffin

Pom Pom is back! Soppy Henn returns with her third book featuring the adorable Pom Pom. Her previous book, Pom Pom gets the Grumps, was reviewed here if you’ve not met this little panda before. (http://thebookwormbaby.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/pom-pom-gets-grumps.html).  Pom Pom the Champion features more toddler drama where Pom Pom discovers just how much he likes to win.

One morning Pom Pom didn’t know what to do with himself until his mummy suggested that they play a game. Pom Pom wins and realises just how much he liked being the winner. He won at not being the tallest or the  shortest, the first to finish his food and the first to get ready to go out. At the supermarket he packed the shopping bag the fastest and read his book the fastest at the library. 

When he gets to the playground, his friends ask Pom Pom to play scooters with them but Pom Pom warns them that he’s winning everything today. But Pom Pom doesn’t win that game as his friends fly pass him. Another friend suggests playing on the swings and Pom Pom bets he can go the highest, but his friends swing higher. Pom Pom has had enough and wants to go and win on his own but he soon realises its not that fun playing by yourself and he isn’t very happy at all. His friends join him once again and suggest a race but a race that they can all win together - a four legged race! 

Sophy Henn returns with her trademark bright, contemporary illustrations and her adorable cute characters. And like her previous two books, I love her colour palette, her pages are filled with colour and not a white background in sight. This funny and sweet book will strike a chord with parents and young children alike, about how its not always about being the best! 

I love Pom Pom and I hope this in not the last we’ve seen of him! Available in hardback and paperback, you can find Pom Pom the Champion in all good bookshops and online here.