Niki Daly 1946-2024

"I simply love drawing, and I feel like I just need to make pictures, I don't need to write," explained Daly, who credits his ability to "steal with [his] eyes" as one of the reasons for his success. 

"I have a highly developed visual memory... I steal with my eyes. Just by seeing a child playing imaginatively, thinking they are a superhero or fairy... I can easily turn that into some kind of story." 

Niki Daly was a South African author-illustrator whose picture books celebrated the imaginative powers of children and their magnificent everyday lives. Daly first became involved in drawing by using pencil stubs handed down from an uncle who painted watercolour pictures. Daly travelled to London at the age of twenty-four in order to pursue a career in singing and song writing and he found work as a commercial artist, which eventually led to illustration for children’s books. Notable about his style are his abilities to view the world from a child’s perspective and to see the world in a rainbow of shades, reflective of multicultural modern South Africa. In books such as Not So Fast, Songololo, Why the Sun and Moon Live in the Sky, The Boy on the Beach, and Jamela’s Dress, Daly looks at the day-to-day interactions of the myths that shape black South African reality. In 1980 Niki Daly and his family returned to South Africa after ten years living abroad. Source: Brightstar

Here is a video of Niki reading his book On my Papa's shoulders.

Read more here.

He was nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Here is a tribute from IBBY.uk.

Through sparkling text and his fresh approach to colour and line, and a knack for pinning down small domestic details, he gave the world stories imbued not only with joy but humanity… stories that bridged multi-generational gaps… a little boy buying a new pair of shoes with his grandmother, a girl tap-dancing alongside her beloved grandfather, a young herdboy daring to dream of a big future, an exuberant boy getting lost on a beach, the delightful Jamela teetering around in her mother’s red shoes wrapped in her mother’s precious cloth… stories that turn everyday experiences into the extraordinary. Niki’s innate ability was to capture the essence of a child no matter what their nationality.

Here comes Lolo

The Jamela book series by Niki Daly should be in every school library but sadly nearly all of them are out of print.

"When I came back to South Africa and looked at the books that were available then in the 80s there was very little representation of black lives, and because I come from a working-class background, I just understood and appreciated the resourcefulness of children who don't have everything,"

Read this interview with Niki Daly - you can also see his first book from 1978.

Libraries, these days, are fun; made so by librarians who are my favorite people because I have never met a librarian who does not have sparkle and an infectious enthusiasm for engendering a love of books in children. They are angels in their ability to guide a child to exactly the book they need at whatever stage they are at. So, make visiting your library with your children a regular event. I encourage working parents to ignore the terrible news on TV when they return home from a stressful day’s work. Kick off your shoes! Sit side by side and read to your child. Journey together through a story that connects both you and child to your inner selves – this is true bonding.

Lubna and Pebble by Wendy Meddour illustrated by Daniel Egneus

This is a book that really tugs at your heartstrings.  Red Reading Hub

Please enter this book slowly. There are waves on the first page. They are there for a reason. Then we see a young girl with a large pebble which has a texta smile. Next page an overcrowded and rusty boat with Arabic writing on the hull is navigating the wild ocean. Turn again and the page is filled with a very close view of Lubna holding her pebble - her best friend. where is this child? What has happened to her family - she only has her father in this place. Surely a young child should have a cuddly toy and a home with walls not a tent. Lubna is in a refugee camp. Life is confusing and very hard.

"Lubna told Pebble everything. About her brothers. About home About the war. Pebble always listened to her stories. Pebble always smiled when she felt scared."

It is so cold in the winter in this camp. Her dad finds a box and a tea towel and Lubna wraps Pebble up to keep warm. Then one day another child arrives in the camp. His name is Amir. Now Lubna has another friend but then her father tells her they are leaving the camp. The final scenes will make you smile. 

My own home bookshelves are way too full, but I am going to purchase this book - yes it is that special! The paperback version of this book was published in 2020 [9780192767257]. I highly recommend you consider adding Lubna and Pebble to your school library. 

A true celebration of the endless creativity and resilience of children. Kirkus Star review

Adults know that one of the best things a good book can do is engender empathy in the reader. The beautiful relationships depicted here will touch readers. In addition, this book provides a perfect opening for discussing the ever-growing refugee crisis and the immense challenges faced by displaced people, desperately in need of humanity, compassion and refuge. Finally, this book personalises and dignifies a child and her father. It shows how, even in conditions of deprivation, we can still show love and compassion for others less fortunate. Just Imagine

Although there are plenty of picture books out there that aim to open the eyes of more privileged children, there are few which manage to achieve that with this level of simplicity and implicitness. Egnéus' imagery cleverly weaves motifs of hope - glowing light and blooming flora - with a use of colour that speaks to children's hearts. The text nearly always leaves the reader wanting to know more: why did they arrive on the beach at night? Why were Daddy's arms salty? What was the World of Tents? Why did they have to stay in the tent during winter? That Boy Can Teach

Companion books:

Amira's Suitcase

Four feet, two sandals

I previously talked about this book by Wendy Meddour:

Tisha and the Blossom

I am very keen to see these:

Timeless by Kelly Canby

Publisher blurb: Emit (whose parents turned back time to name him) is surrounded by busyness. Dad is too busy to read stories, Mum is too busy to play games and Emit’s brother and sister are simply too busy doing nothing to do anything, at all. Emit tries everything he can think of to get more time, he tries to catch it, wait for it, but it’s not until Emit tries to buy some time that he learns the secret which is, if you want time, you have to make it.

A story about time - a perfect match for my blog which began when a little kindergarten child told me her mum or dad did not have time to read her the library book she had taken home that week. This made me so sad and then I thought of Momo by Michael Ende which is an allegory about time and the time thieves of the modern world (today that means phones).

Here is part of the text from Timeless:

"It began in no time at all. And continued, time after time, day after day, until eventually there was simply no time at all. Someone was always running out of it ... or losing track of it ... or lying around letting it slip through their fingers."

Emit wants to help his parents - they say they need more hours in the day. He hears the words 'time flies' but he just couldn't catch any of it in his net.  He hears the words 'time passes you by' so he stopped and waited to see time passing but all he saw were busy people rushing through the city. Someone mentioned time is precious so Emit decided to look in the museum, the art gallery, the mint and the bank because that is where precious things are stored. Then someone else said 'time stands still' so Emit tried standing but that was just a waste of time. 

Finally, the solution arrives. Emit sees a newspaper advertisement - This year give the gift of time. Grabbing his money Emit goes to the store to buy some time as a gift but the shop lady has none for sale. Instead she offers this advice:

"If time is what you want, you have to make it. Remember that, always!"

Now Emit has the answer but how he applies this information is a little curious. We see him with his family. The have opened a shop called Emit and Family Quality Time. The shop is filled with clocks because this is a repair shop - we make, build and repair. 

Go back through the book and look for all the things Emit would love to do with someone in his family - play a ball game; have a hit of tennis; enjoy a family board game (Funopoloy); read a book together!; go fishing; draw a picture; and enjoy some gardening.  Here he is with his book and his distracted father.

Here are a few ideas from the teachers notes (Fremantle Press) plus some of my additions:

The title of this book is Timeless – what does the word ‘timeless’ mean? The cover design shows that 
there is a double meaning in the title. By using two different colours, the word ‘timeless’ has been 
broken into ‘time’ and ‘less’. What does this tell you about the story? What do you think the boy is trying to catch with his net?

Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough time? What takes up your time? What things do you like to spend time on? What lesson does Emit learn in this book? Do you think anyone else learnt this lesson? How can you tell? Would you like to share this book with your parents or other adults - why or why not?

How does Emit make time at the end of the book? Do you think this is a real way to make time, or is it 

symbolic? Emit’s shop is called ‘Quality Time’. What does the word ‘quality’ mean? What is ‘quality time’? 

See inside Timeless here. Here is an interview with Kelly Canby about her book. And here are more illustrations from the book. And you should explore her webpage. 

You could share some sayings or wise words about time with your library group:

• Time is the wisest counselor of all. Pericles
• Never leave ’till tomorrow which you can do today. Benjamin Franklin
• Time stays long enough for those who use it. Leonardo da Vinci
• The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot. Michael Altshuler
• Time isn’t the main thing. It’s the only thing. Miles Davis
• You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it. Charles Buxto
• Enjoy yourself. It’s later than you think. Chinese proverb
• Time flies over us but leaves its shadow behind. Nathaniel Hawthorne
• A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life. Charles Darwin
• Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Steve Jobs
• Do we need more time? Or do we need to be more disciplined with the time we have? Kerry Johnson
• Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. Marthe Troly-Curtin
• I recommend you take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves. Earl of Chesterfield
• Time is a gift that most of us take for granted. Cheryl Richardson
• The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Chinese proverb

And here are some time idioms.

A sign of the times; Behind the times; A whale of a time; Time on your hands; Strapped for time; Time is of the essence; In the nick of time; A race against time; Time flies (when you’re having fun).

Timeless has been shortlisted by the CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) for the 2024 award - Picture Book of the Year. Here are the judges' comments:

Witty, entertaining and visually delightful, this book delves into time and time constraints through young Emit’s eyes, whose family always craves more hours in its day. Minimal but sophisticated, the well thought-out text distils the complexity of the abstract concept it explores, cleverly playing with time related idioms and word puns. Bright, engaging illustrations, as if hand-drawn by a child, seamlessly integrate with the printed text demonstrating excellence in design. Varied layouts and perspectives enrich the visual experience, with key ideas highlighted through vibrantly colourful large text that sometimes becomes part of the composition. The masterfully crafted endpapers, in a league of their own, entertain and encourage further reflection about time and our relationship with it, while echoing a satisfying resolution to Emit’s own search for time.

I also love how Canby’s unique illustration style of sketchy brush strokes evokes a sense of the urgency of movement and activity that Emit sees around him. Similarly, pages cluttered with vibrantly coloured amorphous objects, busy background scenes and hurried people with harried facial expressions, further develop the theme of busyness. Reading Time

Timeless is striking and filled to the brim with heart and swathes of colour. From the first page, you can’t help but be endeared toward Emit in his stripy green shirt and expressive illustration. Paired with Canby’s rhythmic storytelling, Timeless is heart-warming and incredibly clever. It’s a gorgeous tale that’s playful, innovative and – in our busy modern world – very timely.’ Better Reading

‘This beautiful book is filled with vibrant and appealing illustrations on each double page and striking endpapers full of busyness and explosions of colour. The simple yet powerful text tells a story that will resonate with children and the adults in their lives.’ ReadPlus

When I read Timeless for the first time I stopped when I saw this chilling and important image - I am naming this the thief of time - parents on phones!

Then I saw these two images on Instagram today - they could be wonderful discussion starters with a group of older students, and I would also add them to a parent talk.

Sophie Blackall - new book Ahoy! due 2nd April

Image Source: Instagram

Image from a new book illustrated by Felicita Sala - If you run out of words

Image Source: Instagram and here

Companion books:

Now we're together

Five more minutes

Tisha and the Blossom

I adored a previous book by Kelly Canby:

Littlelight

Fungi Grow by Maria Gianferrari illustrated by Diana Sudyka

In this book you will discover so much about fungi and mushrooms. How spores are distributed and threads called hyphae which are a little like roots. The colours used on some pages almost look damp which are the perfect conditions for fungi to grow. The only extra I wanted in this book was a list of all the fungi they mention - so many have such quirky and interesting names. 

At the back of this book there is a glossary, a fact page, a list of sources, a further reading list for children, and a long list of websites. Kirkus say this book is thin on detail but I disagree - the really terrific thing about this book is that it is sure to be a jumping off point fueling more curious questions about all forms of fungi.

In a school library it can be easy to think of your nonfiction collection only in terms of syllabus topics but really your collection should be way more eclectic.  I don't imagine many classes study mushrooms, but they are so fascinating, and I am sure a curious child and their parents will thoroughly enjoy this book which is enhanced with scrumptious illustrations. If you visit a library and browse near Dewey number [579.6] I wonder how many other books you will find about fungi? Here's one that is quite old but it could easily be in a school library as these Read and Wonder (later called Nature Storybooks) are so fabulous and most school libraries added titles from this series to their collection. 

Just for fun here are some of the fungi Fungi Grow by Maria Gianferrari - cotton rot fungus; pear-shaped puffball; stinkhorn mushrooms; yellow morel; deer mushroom; chanterelle; and rusty-gilled polypore. See inside Fungi Grow here. 

... readers will come away dazzled by the kingdom’s huge variety of forms and colors, a bit more informed about fungi’s potential uses for industry and waste disposal, and properly warned off from eating any found mushrooms without an expert’s OK.  Kirkus

This vibrantly illustrated picture book sheds a comprehensive light on the often-overlooked mushroom. At first glance, this is a book for younger readers, but each page also features more detailed facts and information about the fascinating fungi world that older elementary students will appreciate as well. … A noteworthy addition to all collections and a book that is sure to enthrall young biologists. School Library Journal

Read more about the science of fungi here.

You can see other books by Maria Gianferrari here. I previously mentioned Diana Sudyka when I talked about this book:

Molly, Olive and Dexter by Catherine Rayner

Molly's favourite game is hide and seek. I am sure your young reading companion will know how to play this game and that gives this book an extra layer of enjoyment because your child or library group will laugh when they see how Olive and Dexter really have no idea how this game works.

First Olive and Dexter hide their own eyes! Then they hide behind the tree which is right beside where Molly has been counting.  Let's try this one more time. Oh no! The friends are really hidden. Molly cannot find them. 

"What is they got lost when I told them to hide? I'll never see them again and it's all my fault."

Never fear - Molly just needs to look in one more place!

This is a perfect book to share with a very young child. The illustrations by Catherine Rayner are fabulous. She gives each of the animal friends such expressive faces. Every preschool should add this book and the others from this series to their shelves. Here is the Kirkus review. 

There are four books in this series:

Here are two other books about the game of Hide and Seek:

The Best Hiding Place

Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue by Alan MacDonald illustrated by Francesca Gambatesa

Huxley is a koala. Flapjack is a penguin. They live together in a rambling house in the woods. Huxley lives high in the treetops (I hope this is a gum tree) but Flapjack is afraid of heights, so his bedroom is on the ground. 

Image source: Francesca Gambatesa

Huxley is a bit of a dare devil while Flapjack tends to be more cautious. It is clear there will be several disasters when the friends head into the city to explore a brand new, six-storey department store. Adding the mayhem, a robber is a at work. The store manager is sure Huxley is the thief but our friends have seen the real thief and so they set up a trap to catch him and hopefully recover all the stolen items. 

Oddly this is book contains information that might surprise Australian children. Huxley and Flapjack: Race to the Rescue comes from the UK and it contains a serious factual error - Koalas are not bears! But if you can look past this issue, this book and the next one in the series would be a good addition to your easy chapter collection. There are colour illustrations; and easy to read text; and a fast moving story with touches of humour. Here is an interview with the author. Here is the webpage for Alan MacDonald.

A fast-moving fun story, ideal for new solo readers with zany, dynamic full colour illustrations by Francesca Gambatesa on every spread. I suspect this duo will gain lots of young followers who will eagerly anticipate their further adventures. Red Reading Hub

This charming young chapter book is full of energy, and the fabulous colour illustrations on every page perfectly reflect the vim and vigour of the adventure. Huxley is perhaps a little too quick to act before thinking, and this can provide a talking point. Meanwhile, the very sweet and sensible Flapjack is always there to counter-balance the impetuous koala. This would appeal to young readers who enjoy animal stories that aren’t too cutesy. Book Trust

From its zingy yellow cover to its wonderful colour illustrations, this gorgeous early chapter book is bursting with energy and adventure, sure to capture the imagination- and hearts- of its readers. Huxley and Flapjack prove that opposites attract and that true friends can be quite different to you in both tastes and backgrounds. Through the Bookshelf

The second book from this series will arrive mid year.

If I was a Horse by Sophie Blackall

Begin here with this video where Sophie talks about her book. 

'If I was a Horse is for anyone who ever wanted, 
even for a moment, to be something else.'

Now pick up the book and move the cover up and down so you can see the glitter on the tutu. I am very curious about the image under the dust jacket but sadly my copy, borrowed from a library, is covered in plastic so I cannot check this - I know Farmhouse also by Sophie Blackall had a delicious image hiding under the dust jacket so I assume there is one here too. 

If you watched the video above you have seen the end papers in action - pictures of horses - sophisticated and simple galloping across the page. 

Image source - Books of Wonder

Book seller blurb: If I was a horse, I would gallop all day. I could go anywhere I want . . . If you were a horse, what would you do? Could you fit in your clothes? Would you give your little sister a ride? Would your brother even notice? Gallop along with two-time Caldecott Medallist Sophie Blackall through this riotous day in the life of a child who imagines their life as a horse. Sophie's delightful text and resonant illustrations that feature a giant horse in familiar settings offer a visual feast, a grand dose of joy and a celebration of the real power of imagination to help us navigate the world.

Here are some excellent very detailed teachers notes for If I was a Horse. And also a set from Lamont Books (I highly recommend their Standing Order service).

Each page in this charmer contains one easy sentence or phrase that expresses an idea about “horsiness,” allowing very young listeners or emergent readers to focus on the clear, simple language and to follow up with their own imaginative responses. Kirkus

Blackall has created a wonderful story around a not uncommon childhood dream of being someone or something else. With the girl imagining herself to be a horse, we hear of all the things she most loves in the world, and the things she is not too keen on or thinks less of. If she was a horse, she would  gallop all day, going anywhere she wanted to, but come home for a meal. She would let her little sister ride on her back to school, where everyone would welcome her onto their team, but her older brother would not believe her. In the rain she would stay outside, rolling in the mud, laughing all the while. ReadPlus

Gallop along with two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall through this riotous day in the life of a child who imagines their life as a horse. What ensues are uproarious, resonant episodes that feature a giant horse in familiar settings offering both a visual feast, a grand dose of joy, and a celebration of the real power of imagination to help us navigate the world. Powells

Check out my blog post where I explore other books by Sophie Blackall - she is a favourite illustrator of mine. Here is her webpage. 

If I was a Horse has been shortlisted by our CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) for the 2024 Picture Book of the Year award. 

Here are the judges' comments: Attention is demanded right from the appealing dust jacket and clever endpaper illustrations that communicate the context of childhood growth beautifully. Full of imagination and gentle humour, the main character leads the reader through highly relatable aspects of family life through the perspective of a horse. The delightful illustrations provide outstanding detail and invite the reader to pore over the images. The simple plot is expressed through scarce but rhythmic text, with the exquisite illustrations doing most of the storytelling. The clever representation of home and school settings effectively contributes to the storyline of playful rebellion against the ‘constraints’ of childhood.

Tiny things to notice in the illustrations in If I was a Horse:

• Title page - horse shoe on their front door
• Painting of an apple - you will see more apples on the following pages (such as the lounge room).
• The dappled coat of the horse matches the t-shirt worn by the older sibling
• The flowers in the field on the first page echo the wall paper and also contain dandelions which we associate with wishes
• In the kitchen there is a bowl of apples; there is only one cookie in their cookie jar; and dad has given the kids tiny carrots with their sandwiches. Horse love carrots.
• On the school window you can see a sketch of each child in the class including one child who has drawn a horse!
• The brother loves knitting. You can see the wool trailing across the floor while he works on the computer and later we see him knitting while mum is reading (a book) and dad is reading (his Kindle) on the lounge.
• Every room in the house has a book collection - even the bathroom!
• The horse drawing on the child's bedroom wall is the same image as the one we saw on the end papers.
• The night scene also has a trojan horse; a horse race poster; and even horse stickers on the bed - this kid really loves horses. 
• On the back cover the child has a horse on their backpack and a first place ribbon. There is a painting on the wall of a horse running across a field. This house must have two staircases because the wall paper on the back cover is different from the front cover.

Do you remember the picture book Daddy's Having a Horse. I remember Lisa Shanahan talking about hearing a young child talking at the shops. The child declared mummy's having a baby and daddy's having a horse and thus a book idea was born! I kept thinking about that book when I read If I was a Horse because this book was also inspired by a simple conversation with a young child.

With your class or library group it would be good to talk about the skill needed to draw horses. I do have a Pinterest collection of picture books about horses. The link to the teachers notes above also contain a list of terrific picture books that feature horses and horse riding. 

Here are some books I really like about horses.

This is a splendid junior novel with brilliant sketches of horses. Jerry

Merrylegs

I am Nefertiti by Annemarie Anang illustrated by Natelle Quek

This is a book that should be shared with new teachers. It is SO important to acknowledge any child in your class or care by using and pronouncing their name correctly. I am Nefertiti is a US book but these issues also apply here in our Multicultural community. I work as a volunteer in a Sydney children's hospital and I find the names of the children so interesting mainly because in all of my former schools we only had very small multicultural representation. I also well remember when I had a student at one of my schools with the Welsh name Myfanwy. 

Nefertiti is a beautiful name but I guess it is not one you hear often except in reference to that famous Egyptian queen from long ago but that does not excuse the ignorant teacher in this book. Nefertiti is a terrific drummer. She joins the class band but when the teacher shortens her name to Nef her confidence and sparkle shrink. 

"Every time (the teacher) chanted Nef, Nefertiti shrank. She shrank and shrank, until she was jus the size of your thumb."

Luckily one of the kids in the band understands what has happened and she tells Miss Potts to say Nefertiti's full name - and to say it loudly and confidently.

I am Nefertiti is a title from the Empathy Lab collection of 2024. You can see the author reading her book here. 

Here is an interview with the illustrator Natelle Quek.

I am Nefertiti is a heartwarming, joyful story for everyone about identity, being proud of who you are, whatever your ethnicity and culture, belonging within a diverse community and about recognising the importance each player has in the bigger team. It is an ideal story for classroom discussions in Early Years and KS1, book group settings and at home around the themes of identify, self-confidence and peer support. It’s an important reminder about the importance of people’s names and identity. Perfect for younger children aged 3-6 years with appealing illustrations by Natalie Quek, I Am Nefertiti is a charming story about celebrating our names and identities and having the confidence to speak out about feelings. Just Imagine

Companion books:

Gymnastica Fantastica by Briony Stewart

 

The show is beginning. The little girl has her audience (her dog) and her performance outfit (star top and shorts). She also has her rainbow hoops and long rainbow ribbon. Oh and lots of things to climb and bounce on. 

"Razzley-dazzley, ribbons twirls. wriggly rainbows in circles and swirls, whizzy and dizzy and - whoops now I'm landing onto the wall (they call it 'handstanding')."

The book abounds in exuberant energy and the happiness of this young performer is sure to make you smile a huge smile. I love the ribbon filled end papers, the patience of the shaggy dog and most of all the page where she tumbles through the rings and makes a perfect landing - I can hear the crowd clapping!

The language in this book is perfect. Quick come and see has a powerful immediacy about it - you just HAVE to turn the page. Here are a few phrases:

• bouncing, cat-pouncing, right up to the moon
• loops with some hoops
• backward roll, forward roll, sausage roll too
• I can twizzle and twist

This book has been shortlisted by the CBCA in the Early Childhood picture book category.

Here are the judges' comments: An enticing invitation opens this vibrant picture book, as a vivacious young child confidently demonstrates their gymnastic prowess, bouncing, cartwheeling and flipping their way across the pages. Their dog, a silent but invested observer throughout, provides a lovely contrast. This book conveys so much energy and life which children will connect with immediately. The young child’s voice permeates the tight, joyful rhyming text which includes a rich assortment of verbs, nouns and adjectives. Pencil, ink, crayon, gouache, and digital illustrations are filled with zoom in action and movement matching the equally energetic text. The endpapers are perfect bookends, as twirling ribbons, held in the child’s left at the start and right hand at the end, appear to capture the story. 

The rhyming text and boisterous, colourful imagery help to express the enthusiasm and liveliness of any child as new abilities emerge. This is a joy to read. It will remind adults of when they were young and excitable, and shows kids that it can be fun to try new skills, and that it is okay if it doesn’t work out the first time round. Perfect for ages 3+. Readings Melbourne

I previously mentioned this book in a post about Briony Stewart. Here is her website.  My friend from Kinderbookswitheverything has a terrific Pinterest collection of books that celebrate dance.