Welcome to London

Welcome to London

Illustrated by Marcos Farina

Published by Button Books

Thinking of taking the children into London this summer holiday? Then check this book out before you do! Welcome to Marcos Farina's vision of London; he explores most well-known landmarks, offers interesting facts, and suggests activities and things to look out for when in the capital. A beautiful book that will make you want to visit London!

With beautiful end papers, there's so much beautiful imagery to explore per page, I think you will continue to find something new each time you open this book. This delightful book references a variety of transport, people, locations and well known buildings, there's even a few film references that show London. I like the spread that explored the different bridges that can be found and trees in Hyde Park. And if you plan to visit the History Museum, there's a reference to the new blue whale exhibition that replaced the Dippy the Diplodocus within the entrance.

I like how the illustrations include a variety of different coloured people, shapes and animals to represent the diversity of people that live and visit London; it allows the illustrator to keep his limited colour palette and works well. You can see that the illustrator has a Graphic Design background; good character design, bold and colourful, each spread is varied in its composition and layout. My daughter is a little too young for this book at the moment, which I'm selfishly glad about as I might keep this one all for myself!

You can find out more information here about the illustrator and book.

Ralf.

Ralf.

By Jean Jullien
(Text collaboration by Gwendal Le Bec)

Published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Ralf. is a heartwarming and surreal book from the French graphic designer Jean Jullien. This bold book is about a little dog that seems to be always getting in the family's way and shouted at a lot but it's soon up to him to save the day. 

After getting under the family's feet too many times, he is told to get out. While sleeping in his kennel, the house is too quiet and smoke soon tickles Ralf's nose. It's up to Ralf to help and as he rushes into the house, his bum gets stuck in the door! If Ralf doesn't do something quickly, the house will burn down. He pulls so hard that he begins to stretch and stretch and is able to reach upstairs but he can't wake anyone up and has to hunt down help. The firefighters tackle the fire but to save the family they have to slide down Ralf's back. Ralf saves the day but he's now a very long dog! 

This book is a nice shape and good for little hands to hold. The story is short but there's just enough words to keep a child's attention as the illustrations are clear, bold and could easily explain the story just by themselves. I like the use of the thick black outline for all of the characters and objects, which makes them pop out. 

This heartwarming book will have any child cheering on little Ralf - Ralf. is available in all good bookshops and online here.