Norton and the Borrowing Bear by Gabriel Evans

Wouldn’t it be fun to have a friend living right next door to you?  Well, as Norton discovers, it can certainly pose some challenges when that friend wants to borrow all of your favourite things. This is a story about setting limits and learning to accept your friends, flaws and all. Simon and Schuster

Norton, who lives at number 42 has a new neighbour - a bear. If you look closely at the title page you can see bear looking in the window of a real estate agent.

Each day bear borrows something - fluffy slippers; the teapot and teacup; Norton's yellow jumper (it is surely way too small); his yoga mat; and finally Norton's comfy chair. You can see some of these things on the cover. When you look at the end papers all of Norton's things are carefully set out but at the back there are way too many gaps. 

"Bear! Stop borrowing my things! You can't just take things and not return them. It's rude! It's Inconsiderate! It's not what friends do!"

It's probably an only child 'thing' but I am not very good at lending things - except of course library books! So, I totally sympathise with poor Norton who feels utterly bereft as each of his precious things are taken away and not returned (especially those fluffy slippers). 

This book feels like a prequel to Norton and the Bear from the 2021 CBCA short list. Borrowing Norton’s jumper foreshadows future events when bear copies Norton’s fashion style in this previous instalment. 

There is a lot to talk about here, beginning with why Norton has a name and the bear does not. He doesn't even have a capital "B" for bear. The emotional content of this story is very strong and I am sure many young readers will relate to the feelings of loss when borrowed things are not returned. Even with his voluminous beard it is clear that Norton is fretting when we see him sitting up in bed worrying about his slippers.  

Having bear borrow very personal items such as the slippers and his cup and teapot add to the fun but also to the sense of loss and indignation Norton must be feeling. This also leads perfectly to the most important thing of all – finding a true friend. This message is clear without being heaving handed. The street scenes have a great sense of movement and crowding alongside the feeling of isolation as everyone walks alone focused on their personal destinations. The little assorted human and animal characters, with their quirky array of human clothing adds to the visual interest. Just like Gariel Evans, Australia illustrator Gus Gordon is also a master of this form.

I like the way the font changes colour to show the speaker - tan for bear and red for Norton. 

You might like to check out my Pinterest of books with Unlikely Friends.  This topic could make a terrific mini theme. And of course you will want to explore this quote from Shakespeare - Neither a borrower nor a lender be.

What I like Most by Mary Murphy illustrated by Zhu Cheng-Liang

The little girl in this book is appreciative of so many things in her world - her window, apricot jam, the river, pencils, chips, books, her teddy, and of course her mum!

Apricot jam is what I like most in the world. Except for these shoes ... right now they are what I like most in the world. Except for the river ... The river changes but it is always the river. That is why I like it most in the world.

Image Source Mary Murphy - click to see more images from this precious book

Here is the website for Mary Murphy author of over thirty books. 

Publisher blurb Walker Books: What I like most is this pencil. It is red outside and red inside. Its colour comes out like a red ribbon. It’s what I like most in the world. Except for...  A little girl tells us about all her favourite things, from her light-up shoes, to hot, steamy chips, to her red pencil. But the girl knows that, even as her feet grow, her plate empties, and her pencil shortens, there’s someone she’ll always love … and that is what she likes the very, very most. An intimate ode to the unwavering love a child has for their mother, this tender, lyrical story is brought exquisitely to life by Zhu Cheng-Liang.

Make sure you linger over the end papers when you pick up this book - images of Spring and Autumn - reflecting time and change which are the themes of this book.

Have you seen the book The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown?  The format for What I like Most feels very similar. I would use all of these books in a writing class.

Zhu Cheng-Liang is from China. He has illustrated over fifty books. His work was chosen for the book All in a Day by Anno.

Bud, not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Bud not Buddy sat beside his precious mother and he watched her die. He now finds himself in an orphanage and as the story opens he is sent, yet again to a foster home. As in the past the foster parents are truly awful and the kid who already lives in the house, their son, is horrendous - cruel, mean and a liar.

After a nasty incident on the first day Bud runs away. He has a small suitcase containing a few possessions which were precious to his mother. He has no idea but the significance of most of suitcase contents but he is sure the concert flyers for a band featuring Herman C Calloway.  Bud is certain Herman must be his absent father. The brochures are his only clue but Bud sets out to travel from Flint Michigan to Grand Falls. Along the way Bud encounters great kindness and he meets an amazing group of musicians never suspecting the truth of his heritage until the final scene. 

You can read the full plot here.

.... the journey of Bud's hopeful heart that will stay with me for a very long time. Kids Book Review (Australia)

I actually thought I had already read this book and in a crazy moment of regret I also thought I had accidentally ordered the wrong book. Luckily both these premises are wrong. I have read The Watson's go to Birmingham also by Christopher Paul Curtis and we did have Bud not Buddy in my former school library but reading this book last week I am sure I had not previously read it so my purchase had a great purpose - allowing me to enjoy this very famous US book which won the Newbery Award and also a Coretta Scott King Award along with a host of state awards. Listen to a delicious audio book sound track here.

Here are some other covers. You probably already know I am bit obsessed with covers:

Ariba: an old tale about new shoes by Masha Manapov

Marcus is so excited to have new shoes they even have flashing lights. 

Image source: Enchanted Lion

When he tells his Grandpa about the shoes, Grandpa recounts a story from long ago about another pair of shoes.

I enjoyed the way this book contains a story within a story and the final scene is sure to make you smile.

Publisher blurb Enchanted Lion: Marcus’ joy over a new pair of shoes reminds his grandfather of an old story about a boy named Ariba and his adventure-loving shoes. Every time Ariba put his shoes on, something crazy would happen. Once they even took him climbing to the peak of the yellow mountain! But one day, Ariba decides he’s going to move from his small village to the city on the other side of the mountains. When he arrives, he buys all new things—including a new pair of shoes. His new life has no room for the old pair. And yet, wouldn’t you know it? No matter what he does, the shoes keep finding their way back to him…

This story is great fun to share with young listeners, who will giggle each time the shoes make their way back to Ariba and will be delighted to recognize Ariba’s shoes at the end. Older readers will appreciate the gentle thread about staying connected to one’s roots. Kirkus Star review

Masha Manapov was born in Azerbaijan and grew up in Tel Aviv. She now lives in England. Ariba is her first book as author and illustrator. Here is an excellent and detailed interview with Masha. She mentions two of her favourite childhood books were Ronia the Robber’s Daughter and The Brothers Lionheart both by Astrid Lindgren. You can see art from Ariba here. I have one extra question for Masha - I would like to read the original African folktale or a version of this folktale which inspired her book.

If you read this book to a group of older students you could also share this photography project where Shannon Jensen took photos of shoes worn by refugees.  The images are amazing, sad, important, and are sure to lead to a deep discussion. Take a look at this post by my friend from Kinderbookswitheverything.

Here is the perfect companion read to use with Ariba:

Those Shoes

You might also look at Grandma's treasured shoes.

What's inside? by Isabel Minhós Martins and Madalena Matoso

Here is a puzzle book with a difference.  There are lots of things inside that you might predict but there are also some surprises!

What's inside  

Mum's handbag "an invisible mobile phone (left on the kitchen counter); a purse with four marbles"

The hall table drawer "a piece of plastic (no one can remember what it's for); a dice"

The fridge "An ace of spades; two strawberry jellies"

My raincoat pocket "A clothes peg; a pen lid; a snail shell"

Granny's beach bag "A recipe for pudding; my wet swimming costume (inside a plastic bag)"

What's on

The kitchen counter "A cobweb with a spider; two bottles without tops"

My bedroom wall "A small hole (I suspect it's the door to an ant's nest!)"

Publisher Blurb: There are thousands of objects surrounding us in our everyday lives: in the hallway drawer, the kitchen fridge, mum’s handbag, your bedroom wall, even in your raincoat pocket. But how many objects can you remember when you’re put to the test? Inside this book are dozens of pictures, puzzles and a mega memory game providing amusing challenges for all ages, from those still learning to talk to reader- detectives who like to follow the clues and put two and two together.

What's Inside was first published in Portuguese with the title O que há.  The English translation by Isabel Alves and Bergen Peck was published in 2015 but this book is still in print. I was lucky to pick up a half price copy at recent book sale. You might like to read my previous post about another book by this talented team of Isabel and Madadena - Where do we go when we disappear?

Take a look at this post by Zoe at Playing by the Book where she shares illustrations from What's inside along side her own real handbag, kitchen counter etc.

This is a delightful book, with bold and stylish illustrations, which will appeal across a wide age range, and especially to any children who love to collect and hoard, to classify and arrange their special things. Playing by the Book

One of my favourite alphabet books shares its title with this book:

If you were reading this book with a preschool group you might also explore these:

In a Jar

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More

What Sort of Day?

Little Brown by Marla Frazee

2019 Winner Charlotte Zolotow Award

I am not sure about this book. I do not think I would read it to the younger children at school but I do think it would be a terrific springboard for discussion with older students aged 9+.  The ending is so unresolved and sad. Little Brown is cranky. We don't know why? Perhaps he does not know how to make friends or approach the other dogs. Watching the play and happy times of the other dogs just makes him crankier and crankier. Is this jealousy? When a ball rolls over to his corner of the enclosed yard (perhaps this is a dog shelter/home/pound) he nabs and keeps it and then continues to collect all the other dog toys.

This is a dilemma for the other dogs.  I was pleased to see did not lead to any aggression. I did expect to see the dogs fighting. Instead the other dogs ask important questions:

"Is Little Brown cranky because we don't play with him?"
"Or do we not play with him because he is cranky?"
"Should we play with him to get the stuff back?"
"Or will that make us cranky too?  What then?"

Little Brown himself wonders:

"If I give it all back, will they like me? Then will they play with me? What if I give it all back and they still won't play with me? What then?"

I have labelled this book as a senior picture book because there is so much you could discuss around these questions and the open ending. I think I would call this lesson "What if or What then... ? " Marla Frazee conveys huge emotions in her illustrations. She discusses this on her web site.

 Here are some comments from the Charlotte Zolotow committee:

Little Brown, a cranky (but otherwise unremarkable) brown dog, has no one to play with at the kennel. Is that why he’s cranky? Or do none of the other dogs include him because he's cranky? When he hoards all the other dogs’ toys, what should they do? What should Little Brown do? In Frazee’s superb text, supported by equally fine, soft-hued pencil and gouache illustrations, a dramatic narrative crafted with wonderful language and artful pacing is full of hilariously spot-on dog behavior. But Little Brown’s isolation is heartbreaking, while the puzzlement of the other dogs and the “dilemma” they all face make for a complex look at social dynamics. The brilliant open ending leaves everything up for discussion with young readers and listeners, who no doubt know people like all of the dogs portrayed here. Charlotte Zolotow Award page

The reviewer at Kirkus says:

So when a ball rolls his way and Little Brown grabs it, this looks like the beginning of the end of Little Brown’s isolation and crankiness. But he then decides to grab the other toys, and in a jiffy, he’s collected a whole pile and stands on top of them, like a dragon hoarding treasure. Now there is a “dilemma.” …  Weirdly, this dilemma remains unresolved, leaving readers to continue the pondering: It becomes time to go and “maybe tomorrow / they would know what to do.”  A promising start dissolves to an undetermined, unsatisfying conclusion. Kirkus

In contrast the School Library Journal review says:

An open-ended story that creates a great starting point for meaningful discussion with young children about bullying and inclusion. School Library Journal (from Simon and Schuster publisher)

And here is the Bulletin of the Centre for Children's Books

Frazee interestingly leaves the conclusion open-ended, with no dog managing to break the standoff; that lessens the drama of the ending slightly, but it also offers easy discussion prompts (the dogs' questions could be posed to the audience verbatim) for some empathy-building and social consideration, while the adults can consider larger political symbolism. 

Bulletin of the Centre for Children’s Books

Little home Bird by Jo Empson

Little Bird loves his home. He has the perfect branch, delicious food, his view and beneath his branch there are set of wind chimes providing him with his favourite music. When the weather changes Little Bird's brother explains it is time to move to their other home.  The birds need to fly south for the winter. Little Bird does not want to leave his branch (take a look at the notice carved into the branch which you can see on the front cover above), his food or his music behind so he thinks up a clever way to take everything with him on the journey.  But it is hard to fly and to keep up with the flock and the flight is so long. He drops his branch and it is picked up by a happy dog. He drops the wind chimes which are found by a shepherd gathering his sheep on a snow covered mountain.  He drops his berries and they land on the spikes of a porcupine.  Eventually the flock reach their summer home. Little Bird has managed to bring his nest and while it is empty it is soon filled with wonderful things making this new place feel just like home.

On page six of this book there are some magical words and when I read them I knew I had fallen in love with this book:

"It's time to fly south to our winter home, where the food is plenty and the wind's breath is warm"

Then I stopped to look at the exquisite illustrations. I just want to reach out and stoke those feathers.

Here in an interview with Jo Empson.

Simply lovely. Kirkus

Jo Empson has created a really endearingcharacter, we feel Little Bird’s sense of indecision when he has to leave his home,his sense of loss when his favourite things have gone and we share his joy whenhis nest is no longer empty. Story Snug

I would pair this book with Lucy Goosey.

More by I.C. Springman illustrated by Brian Lies

When is more more than enough?

This book has 45 words! Read it and then count the words. Now marvel that this is a powerful story. In just 45 words IC Springman and Brian Lies present a message for our times. Do we really need 'more'? Can we get by with 'less'? If we had 'less' would we be happier?

Magpie is given a marble by Mouse. He places it in his nest and while it looks good perhaps more things would make the nest look even better so he sets out to collect more things - a coin, a lego block, keys, sunglasses ... more and more and more.

As you can see the illustrations are stunning but perhaps by this picture (below) Magpie really has too much stuff!

Magpie puts all of his treasures into his nest. Eventually it all comes crashing down to earth. Luckily a team of mice are close by and they assist the magpie with the important decision about which things he might keep.  In the end he only takes the shiny marble and a castle chess piece along with his new friend, the wise mouse.

Young readers not overwhelmed by the visual intensity will chant the minimal text; older ones will note questions about accumulation,materialism, friendship—and how to decide what’s meaningful. Kirkus

Lies' magnificent illustrations keep listeners glued to the page, and he includes just enough familiar items among the junk (a lego brick, a binky, a Tinker Toy, a toothbrush) that More almost reads like a seek-and-find book at times. Books4yourkids


You can read a series of review quotes about More on Brian Lies own web site. Take a look at Seven Impossibe Things where you can see some preliminary drawings for More.

The hardcover edition of this book was published in 2012 but I am happy to report there is a new paperback copy which has just been published - December 2019. I was interested to read scientists don't think Magpies actually do collect objects. If you want to read about a bird that really does collect things you might research our Australian Satin Bower Bird.

Image Source Birdwatching Daily, 4th October 2018

More was nominated for the 2013 Bull Bransom Award.  Here are the other contenders from that year. The winner was Oh, No! If you are looking for books to add to a school library collection I highly recommend the purchase of books that are nominated for this award - they are always treasures.

The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

"A strange animal arrived one day looking dusty, tired, sad 

and frightened. 

He was pulling a big suitcase."

Stop and think about these opening lines. Why is he sad? What has happened to make him frightened? This suitcase is big - what could be inside? It is so heavy he has to drag it. The image above is from the title page. You can feel the weight from this illustration.

Now watch the Nosy Crow trailer and a video where Chris Naylor-Ballesteros talks about The Suitcase.

The strange animal meets a fox, rabbit and bird. The group are curious and ask about the contents of the suitcase. The list of contents sound utterly impossible. A teacup, a table, a chair, a kitchen and even a wooden cabin. The strange animal is exhausted and he falls asleep. The fox decides they should open the suitcase so they can discover the truth.

"Meanwhile the sleeping stranger dreamed about running away and hiding, about climbing over mountains and swimming across deep waters. And he dreamed about his suitcase and all that he had inside it."

When the suitcase is opened I gasped. What the fox has done is so dreadful. It's a violation but what happens next will warm your heart and, I know this sounds very deep but, I think the final scenes will give your young reader a sense of hope for humanity.

This is my favourite type of picture book where a seemingly simple narrative is a disguise for a deeper message but it is all done with a light touch there is no feeling that the author had an agenda or a message or an 'axe to grind' or a moral to impart. You might remember I talked about Almost Anything by Sophy Henn recently. It has a very different theme but I think it demonstrates this idea of that old adage "show don't tell."

This is in every way a five star book.

Here are some review comments:

The message here is powerful and profound and beautifully served by the simplicity of the telling. Love Reading4Kids

What better book could there be to share with a nursery or foundation stage class during refugee week than this one, offering as it does, hope and the possibility of new friendship. Red Reading Hub

I would bet that many folk would come away from this book with various different levels of interpretation of the core powerful message of being kind, and treating strangers a little better - but wow, this is so subtly and cleverly done. Read it Daddy

I would link The Suitcase with The Thing by Simon Puttock and Shelter by Celine Claire.  You could also look at Welcome by Barroux and Room on our Rock by Kate and Jol Temple.

In this video you can see Chris creating his characters. I loved hearing Chris says "Picture books are for everyone!"

Here are two other books by Chris. You can read the long journey that it took to make I'm going to eat this Ant on his blog.