10 If All the World Were


Joseph Coelho, illus Allison Colpoys, Lincoln Children’s Books, 978-1786036513, £6.99 pbk


Coelho masterfully manages to strike the delicate balance between mourning the passing of a loved one and celebrating the gift of the life they lived and


its legacy sensitivity and care.


with moving Colpoy’s


illustrations enrich and deepen our connection with the weight


of sadness and height of celebration. An important title to support readers coming to terms with the loss of an elderly relative.


Ada Twist Scientist


Andrea Beaty, illus David Roberts, Abrams Books, 978-1419721373, £13.99 hbk


Ada is an inquisitive scientist driven by a thirst for knowledge and problem solving. Inspiring yet relatable she offers a fantastic role model for readers.


The


playful rhythm of the text works in total harmony with the witty charm of the illustrations. A real treat of a book.


Splash, Anna Hibiscus!


Atinuke, illus Lauren Tobia, Walker Books, 978-1406354683, £7.99 pbk


Anna is a curious, kind and thoughtful child with a loving extended family full of well- drawn and relatable characters. Through her visits to family in Nigeria we are offered an important glimpse into everyday family life and community that is far more nuanced than the gross


generalisations and portrayals of countries from the continent that have traditionally featured in children’s literature and other forms of media.


An experienced teacher and senior leader, Farrah Serroukh has always been a passionate advocate of every child’s right to access high quality literature and experience the best education possible. She coordinates CLPE’s partnership and regional work and is the author of CLPE’s Reflecting Realities Survey of Ethnic Representation within UK Children’s Literature 2017, which is the first of its kind in the history of UK children’s publishing.


Little Dreamers: Visionary Women Around the World


Vashti Harrison, Puffin Books, 978-0241346877, £12.99 hbk


The trend of titles focusing on the theme of pioneering female figures has been phenomenal over the last couple of years.


addition profiles a wide range of inspirational the world.


figures Due consideration is given to highlighting a broad and


varied selection of individuals expanding upon more commonly documented women. Harrison’s unique, ethereal illustrative style complements the magical celebratory tone of the book.


Corey’s Rock


Sita Brahmachari, illus Jane Ray, Otter-Barry Books, 978-1910959978, £10.99 hbk


A touching and sensitive exploration of the challenges of a family coming to terms with the upheaval caused by the loss of the youngest child told through the perspective of the sibling. The words and illustrations weave seamlessly and beautifully together to bring the world of this family to life connecting the reader to the pain of their present and the hopes for their


future. There is a real magical quality to this book stemming from the synergy between Brahmachari and Ray. I hope that we see more collaboration between these two talents in the future.


Blackberry Blue


Jamila Gavin, illus Richard Collingridge, Tamarind, 978- 1848531079, £6.99 pbk


A magical selection of fairy tales that draw inspiration from the European cannon but have a very distinctive quality of their own. Gavin firmly places characters from a range of backgrounds


centre stage, each


leading the narrative in their own clever,


brave and beautiful ways. The descriptions are so vivid you can almost taste the words in your mouth and the delicate illustrations beautifully complement and frame each story.


Harrison’s latest from


around


Books for Keeps No.234 January 2019 13


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