Frank and Bert book series by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

 

Chris’s superb colour pencil scenes exude energy, humour and pathos, perfectly capturing the changing emotions of his larger-than-life characters.  Red Reading Hub

Back in 2022 I talked about the first book from this series. This week I spied another and then made the wonderful and surprising discovery that Frank and Bert - the one where Bert plays football - is actually the fourth book. I am a huge fan of Chris Naylor-Ballesteros. 

Here is the blurb for each of these titles:

Frank and Bert: Frank and Bert are the best of friends and they LOVE to play hide and seek. But Bert the bear isn’t quite as good at hiding as he thinks he is . . . and Frank ALWAYS wins! Every. Single. Time.

But when it’s Bert’s turn to hide, and Frank has to decide between winning again OR making his friend happy, Frank learns that friendship is always the true winner. (Read the Kirkus review)

Frank and Bert: The One where Bert Learns to Ride a Bike: Bert isn’t very good at riding a bike. Here’s what happens. It always starts well, but then Bert wibble-wobbles all over the place, until . . . Oops! Whoops! Ouch! Do you see what I mean? Bert is CERTAIN he can ride his bike as well as Frank, but he is very wobbly! And even when they BOTH try riding Frank’s bike . . . it still goes very wrong! Will the best friends make it all the way down from the big hill? Of course! All they need is a little bit of confidence and trust in each other! (Read the Kirkus review)

Frank and Bert: The One with the Missing Biscuits: Frank and Bert are off for a picnic in the countryside. And Bert has brought a delicious surprise! But when he falls asleep, Frank can’t resist taking a peek . . . WOW! Bert has made Frank’s FAVOURITE biscuits! Surely, he won’t mind if Frank eats one . . . or two . . . or three . . . (Read the Kirkus review)

Frank and Bert: The One where Bert Plays Football: Meet Frank and Bert. They LOVE football and Frank is teaching Bert everything he knows . . . until Barbara turns up, the local football legend, and Frank drops everything to play with her. Poor old Bert. But when Frank finds himself in trouble, it’s Bert, his BFF, who is always there for him . . .

The glorious coloured-pencil illustrations are bursting with energy, expression and humour, and perfectly encapsulate the emotions of each character. Funny and heart-warming, this gem of a picture book demonstrates the importance of always being there for your friends. Book Trust

These should all be added to your primary school library. They are perfect discussion starters when you are talking about friends and friendships and kindness. 

The end papers in "The one where Bert plays football" are patterned like footballs (or soccer balls as we might call them here in Australia) in a vibrant hot pink. Frank is trying to teach Bert how to play but Bert either kicks the ball way too far or he trips over it. Then along comes Barbara and we have the classic story trope - twos company threes a crowd. To make matters worse Barbara is a football champion. In fact the book and Frank both say she's "the greatest football player IN THE WORLD." Frank is in heaven - Barbara wants to play with him! but this means he ignores his old friend. In an interesting twist this time it is the famous Barbara who kicks the ball high into a tree. Perhaps even soccer stars can miscalculate their kicking. Frank climbs the tree but:

"I'm a bit scared of heights, and I wish Bert was here, and I wish I hadn't gone off with Barbara, and I wish I hadn't ignored Bert, and if only I'd been a better friend."

At this point it would be good to just pause and let these words sink in. Is there a way for Frank and Bert to find each other again? And what about Barbara should she be allowed to join their game? And does it make any difference that Barbara is a girl soccer player?

I am not a sport fan, but I do love the way Chris Naylor-Ballesteros shows in this book that every position in a team is important. Not in an unkind way, but I cheered when Bert showed Barbara he also has soccer skills - it would be great to have him on your team!

I found an online seller with each of these titles for around AUS$20 each - which is a really good price for a set of books that are sure to be popular with readers and teachers. 

I previously adored this book by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros:

The Suitcase