A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh illustrated by Aliaa Betawi

A haunting, powerful, and crucial tale of culture and identity. Kirkus Star review

On the second page of this book the teacher answers the student with the most chilling words:

"Miss Baker, why isn't Palestine on the map?' Miss Baker looked at the map. 'I think there's no such place,' Miss Baker said."

Falasteen's family are from Palestine and so now she needs answers. Before I continue I need to talk about the name Falasteen. 

The name "Falasteen" is an Arabic name that refers to the historical region of Palestine. It is derived from the word "Filistin," which is the Arabic name for Palestine. The name carries cultural and historical significance, representing the land and people of Palestine.

Back at home Falasteen asks her grandpa about the school map. He takes out his notepad and draws a map with city names including the name of their home.

"Here is your map, omri,' he said. 'Your teacher needs teaching. You can show her this so all of your friends can learn too."

Next stop, Falasteen asks her grandma who is making delicious spinach pies. Grandma shares the memory of leaving their home. Falasteen's mother was a tiny baby.

"The soldiers came with their tanks and guns. ... They burned the fields and the olive trees."

But grandma has kept hold of her house key. (Try to find this book - The Key from Spain). Grandma gives her precious key to Falasteen. That night Falasteen talks to her mother. 

"Sometimes people live in countries. Sometimes countries live in people. Palestine lives in you and me."

Publisher blurb: At school, Falasteen and her classmates are tasked with finding their families' home countries on a map, but no matter how hard she looks, Falasteen can't find Palestine. Can a place exist if it's not on a map? Confused, Falasteen turns to her family for answers. Her grandfather, grandmother, and Mama encourage her to see their homeland from a different perspective, and each of their stories helps her understand her people's history and her own place in the world.

This is a timely book that helps answer a question that teachers and parents are likely to be asked today. It is not an easy question to answer but here the author handles it with a refreshingly matter-of-fact approach that will reassure as well as inform. Falasteen is a very recognisable child and her curiosity is normal. The family’s response is well handled. The illustrations are child friendly and engaging bringing life to the text. This is a story firmly grounded in reality and should be welcomed in every library. For adults the author provides further information at the end of the book. Books for Keeps

Further reading:

• Kids Britannica
• Globe Trotting Kids
• UNICEF "A child-friendly guide to the Gaza crisis"

A Map for Falasteen thematically explores the universal idea of identity and belonging. This would be a rich book to use while learning about these topics, but also these larger ideas are explored through this specific context — offering an opportunity to consider how it must feel to not find your home on a map. This creates a unique opportunity to empathy and understanding in young readers that home, who we are, is more than what could be defined on a map? Palestinian artist, Aliaa Betawi’s art enhances and compliments the narrative. The deliberate colours of the illustrations — warm tones of yellow and orange for present-day scenes, and cool blues for memories of Palestine — help the young reader move between the past and the present, but also offer a visual representation of hope and loss. They also incorporate meaningful aspects of Palestinian culture highlighting Falasteen’s enduring connection to her homeland. Source Instagram 

Awards:

• Jane Addams Foundation Honor Award
• 2025 California Book Award
• The Arab American Book Award
• The Muslim Book Reviewers Judges’ Award
• Kirkus Best Book of 2024 
• Booklist Editors Choice of 2024

I spied this book in Gleebooks and grabbed it with both hands because I am in the process of preparing a short video presentation (with Dr Robin Morrow) on the topic of "The Refugee experience through Picture Books" and I knew this could be a text we might include.

Maysa Odeh is a Palestinian writer who grew up between Amman, Jordan and the United States. Her debut picture book was written during the assault on Gaza in 2021, which sparked a conversation between herself and her inner child. A Map for Falasteen answers the questions she was too shy to ask as a child of Palestinian refugees. What is a homeland? Where do you find it? How can you be sure it’s there when you can’t see it? Maysa resides in California with her daughter who asks questions all day long in Arabic and English, and sometimes even in her sleep. Read this interview with Maysa about her book. 

Aliaa Betawi is a self-taught Palestinian artist based in Alexandria, Egypt who developed her craft by observing her gifted mother. She believes that every kid deserves a childhood filled with magical, joyful memories and this is what she works to give to all kids, including herself. A Map for Falasteen was her opportunity to capture a single elusive memory in Palestine, a memory she could not enjoy as a Palestinian child in exile.

Anna May's Blue Cloak by Christiane Cicioli illustrated by Susan Pearson

When she was a young girl Anna May's Grandmother made her a beautiful blue cloak. The fabric on the cover makes it look so tactile - perhaps it is velvet. Anna May is young and so for now the cloak is a perfect fit over her dress. But over time Anna May grows.

"Soon the cloak, still beautiful, was too small. Her mother carefully folded it up and put it away in her wooden chest."

Years later Anna May became a mum to a baby girl. Anna May remembered the beautiful cloak. Now is the time for the cloak to be used for another garment. You can see her here using her grandmother's sewing machine - my own little Nan had one just like this.

Anna May uses the cloak fabric to make a dress for her daughter, but she also carefully puts the left-over pieces back into the wooden chest. Anna May's daughter loves her dress but over time it becomes too small. Many years later Anna May's daughter had a baby - a son. Luckily there was enough fabric left from the cloak to make him a handsome blue jacket. 

Have you worked out the pattern here. YES - and then Anna May's son becomes a father.

"Anna May wanted him to stay warm ... she remembered her blue cloak ... she took out the fabric that was left after making the dress and the jacket."

I wonder what she made? And what about the tiny fragments of fabric that are still left over?

I have a friend who is volunteering at one of our local charity shops. She mentioned the idea of following the journey of a piece of clothing could be a great idea for a picture book - she needs to see this book.

You could also use this book to talk about family relationships and the way we can show this using a family tree. If I was sharing this book with a class, I would bring in a collection of things made by my grandmother Amy - a set of beautiful doll clothes including silk pyjamas, casual shorts with a matching top, a lace dressing gown and brown corduroy trousers. 

Anna May's Cloak is a Canadian picture book. It was published in 2013 but it is still available. If you are reading this close to the time, I have penned this post I found one copy available from an online Australian book seller for a great price - but they only have one copy. 

Christiane Cicioli, born in Quebec, has lived both in Canada and the United States. One of the most enjoyable activities she has shared with her family and three now grown children has been to hear and recount the tales and customs of grandparents, great-grandparents, and other relatives of previous generations. Those inspirational moments have become the source of her writing. After working with children in elementary schools for many years, she is now a freelance writer and translator. Susan Pearson lives in Vancouver, BC, with her husband Ed. She creates images for children's books and teaches watercolor painting classes.

Companion books:

The Copper Tin Cup

My forever dress

Krout & Elmore Children’s Book Award for Best Portrayal of Aging

2009 Elementary Award winner

2025 Winner of the Krout and Elmore Award

Krout & Elmore Children’s Book Award for Best Portrayal of Aging

The Krout & Elmore Children’s Book Award for Best Portrayal of Aging from the Gerontological Society of America is awarded each year to recognize realistic portrayals of older adults in picture books for children.

We use the Caldecott Medal definition: “A ‘picture book for children,’'as distinguished from other books with illustrations, is one that essentially provides the child with a visual experience. A picture book has a collective unity of storyline, theme, or concept developed through the series of pictures of which the book is comprised. A ‘picture book for children’ is one for which children are an intended potential audience. The book displays respect for children’s understanding, abilities, and appreciation. Children are defined as persons of ages up to and including fourteen, and picture books for this entire age range are to be considered.” Read more here.

2024

• Primary Reader: Grandad's Pride by Harry Woodgate; Published 2023, Little Bee Books
• Honorable Mention: Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps by Srividhya Venkat and illustrated by Kavita Ramchandran; Published 2021, Yali Books
• Elementary Reader: Abuelita and Me by Leonarda Carranza and illustrated by Rafail Mayani; Published 2022, Annick Press
• Honorable Mention: Just Like Grandma by Kim Rogers and illustrated by Julie Flett; Published 2023, Heartdrum

2022

• Recipient: On the Trapline by David A. Robertson and illustrated by Julie Flett; Published 2021, Tundra Books
• Honorable Mention: Coffee, Rabbit, Snowdrop, Lost by Betina Birkjaer and illustrated by Anna Margrethe Kjærgaard; Published 2021, Enchanted Lion

2020

• Older Readers: Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina; Published 2018, Candlewick
• Younger Readers: A Gift from Abuela by Cecelia Ruiz; Published 2018, Candlewick  

2018

• Primary Reader: It’s Just Aging by Eliah Takushi, Carly Tan, and Colby Takeda; Published 2015, Mutual Pub Co
• Elementary Reader: Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar; Published 2016, Walker Books 

2016

• Primary Reader: Papa Chagall, Tell Us a Story by Laurence Anholt; Published 2015, Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
• Elementary Reader: The Turtle of Oman by Naomi Shihab Nye; Published 2016, Greenwillow Books 
• Honorable Mention: Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo; Published 2014, Clarion Books 

2014

• Primary Reader: Shoebox Sam by Mary Brigid Barrett and illustrated by Frank Morrison; Published 2011, Zonderkidz
• Elementary Reader: Marching with Aunt Susan: Susan B. Anthony and the Fight for Women's Suffrage by Claire Rudolph Murphy and illustrated by Stacey Schuett; Published 2011, Peachtree

2011

• Primary Reader: Sometimes It's Grandmas and Grandpas: Not Mommies and Daddies by Gayle Byrne and illustrated by Mary Haverfield; Published 2009, Abbeville Kids

2010

• Primary Reader: Niwechihaw/I Help by Caitlin Dale Nicholson; Published 2008, Groundwood Books
• Elementary Reader: Ain't Nobody A Stranger to Me by Ann Grifalconi and illustrated by Jerry Pickney; Published 2007, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

2009

• Primary Reader: Rock, Brock and the Savings Shock by Sheila Bair and illustrated by Barry Gott; Published 2006, Albert Whitman & Company
• Elementary Reader: The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper and illustrated by Gabi Swiatowska; Published 2007, Abrams Books for Young Readers 

2025 winner and shortlisted titles

One Day by Shirley Marr illustrated by Michael Speechley

"Mayfly has not regretted a second of the 

incandescent experience that is life. 

It has been a perfect day."

Mayfly is born in May. She will only live for one day so every moment is precious. Humans do live longer than one day but equally the underlying message in this book is clear - it is important to value your day and your relationships. It is also important to notice and celebrate the world you live in no matter how big or how small.

This book opens with a calendar page. The date 18th May is circled because this is the birthday of May (that's the name I am giving her) - the mayfly. A frog spies the newly emerged mayfly. He is the voice of doom. "The world out there will eat you up ... not that it matters. You'll only live for one day, anyway."

How will she react - here is the opportunity to talk about optimism. Mayfly says - "One whole day! It's hard to believe." 

As we watch Mayfly exploring her world including the big city, we also see a young girl with her grandparents. Think about their life journey. There is a scene where, as a reader, we are given a birds-eye view of the city. Notice the shop and building names - these are a powerful way to show a life journey - A1 Daycare; Day Street Primary; Day Street High School, Juan Dei University; Juan Dei Student housing; The Daily Grind Pty Ltd; Day Job Corporation; Daydream travel; Daily bakery; Sunset Retirement living; and Apel A. Daye Hospital.

Okay this is a big call, but I am going to say One Day is my 2025 book of the year (so far). I was previously a CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) picture book judge. I wish I had that privilege this year so that I could champion One Day as a book that needs to be added to all school libraries. This is a perfect example of a multilayered picture book which can be shared across school grades. This book is sure to appear on lots of awards lists.

Walker Books Australia released One Day this week. They have made a teaching kit (aimed at a very young audience) but this book is sure to lead to very deep discussions with older readers in middle and upper primary classes about the circle of life, our human life journey, our brief time on earth, the importance of family relationships, along with -  techniques of illustrators, book design (colour palette, embossed lettering on the cover, end papers), and page/book formats. 

I don't often comment on the work of book designers, but Sarah Mitchell deserves a huge award for her work on this book. You can follow her on Facebook. 

The text of this book is brilliant, but it is equally brilliant to see how Michael Speechley extends this text with tiny illustration details AND the 'calendar-style' format where you turn this book sideways is so different and utterly perfect. (I was not able to find the official term for this).

There is a word that I quoted at the top of this post. It made me gasp:

incandescent

That is the perfect word to describe One Day by Shirley Marr - incandescent! Paul MacDonald used another perfect word in his review - "a stunner".

Here is some more of the text from One Day:

"To her astonishment she takes flight. But it's easy to feel small in a big world. Life is a map with no set destination. One that can take you in any direction. ... Life is a moment in time."

Interview: One Day introduces a little girl in a yellow raincoat to a mayfly who is determined to make every moment of her day count. ‘We playfully discussed, during a chance meeting, the hypothetical question of “What would you do if you only lived for one day?”,’ said Marr and Speechley. ‘The idea quickly became something driven primarily by the love of art and prose that neither of us believed would find publication—if not for the support of agent Gemma Cooper of the Bent Agency. We cannot wait for readers to delve into our passion project and meet Mayfly!’  ‘Shirley and Michael’s beautiful encapsulation of the notion of carpe diem has never been more beautiful,’ said Walker publisher Clare Hallifax. ‘From Shirley’s exquisite prose to Mike’s charming and inventive illustration, readers young and old will be charmed and inspired.’ Books and Publishing interview

Here is the very best companion book (sadly long out of print):

Mayfly Day

Try to find this book too:

Life

I highly recommend these middle grade novels by Shirley Marr - she is one of our top Australian children's writers. 

Countdown to Yesterday (5 stars); All four quarters of the Moon; A Glasshouse of Stars

Michael Speechley has been a graphic designer and high school art teacher in WA. His first picture book, The All New Must Have Orange 430, explores themes of consumerism and the environment. It was shortlisted and awarded as an Honour Book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Children’s Book of the Year Award in 2019 and was the winner of The Wilderness Society’s 2019 Environment Award for Children’s Literature, Picture Books. His second book is The Gift, which was published in September 2019. This book deals with loss, kindness and the joy of giving. It was a Notable Book in the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year Awards and was shortlisted for the 2019 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards.

Moonboy by Anna Ciddor

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

I was almost the same age as the boy in this story, Keith Arthur Watson, who is living in Australia in 1969. What happened in 1969? The moon landing. I well remember there were all sorts of newspaper booklets to collect and I also vividly remember sitting in a crowded classroom and peering at a small television screen to watch those steps on the moon.

Moonboy is a timeslip story. Charlotte is staying with her grandmother. Her dad tells her to look inside a box in her room. When she opens the box she finds newspaper clippings from 1969 all about the Apollo moon landing and also some other things that belonged to Keith, her grandfather, when he was a boy. A big of marbles, some footy swap cards and an old footy sweater. This sweater is very significant because it is the conduit that takes Charlotte from 2025 back to 1969 and straight into ten-year-old Keith's bedroom and life. 

Sadly, in 2025, Keith (Charlotte's grandfather) is suffering from dementia. He seems to be unable to speak or recognise his wife or granddaughter. But then Charlotte takes some of the newspaper clippings to his aged care home and for a moment or two he seems to 'come back to life'. 

This book covers time from about 9th July to 25th July 1969 and 2025. Keith and Charlotte will both have a birthday on 23rd July. Gran wants it to be special but she also wants to hold it in the Aged Care Home. At first Charlotte finds the state of many of the elderly people quite confronting and upsetting but over the two weeks of her daily visits she comes to see each person as an individual and so her eventual 'moon landing themed' birthday party in the lounge room of Diamond House is, to her surprise, a very happy event. 

Here is a video of the television broadcast watched by Keith in 1969 and again by Charlotte in the aged care home with her grandfather in 2025. 

My only tiny quibble with this story comes from the way Charlotte knows nothing about the moon landing - that's okay - but I kept wondering why she didn't try to research these events either in her school library or on Google. She is filled with worries about every tiny aspect of this momentous event - will they reach the moon; will the astronauts actually walk there; will they get home safely; and worst of all what if Keith's sister Gwen wrecks everything because she has gone to help her aunt at uncle at Honeysuckle Creek. This true aspect of the Australian connection to the moon landing is explained at the back of the book. It's quite a fascinating side story. I was also a little concerned with the way Charlotte was able to change history. She stops Keith setting off some dangerous fireworks and so his fingers are not damaged and yet the grandfather she has always known did have missing fingers and now his hands are fine.

I did enjoy Keith's colloquial sayings: crikey; how the blazes; are you a few crumbs short of a sandwich; strike a light; ridgy didge; holy moly; fair dinkum; and stone the crows.

When Charlotte travels back to Keith's Grade six classroom she writes a terrific poem about the moon landing. Sadly the teacher rejects it because it doesn't rhyme - even in 1969 I hope this would not be the reaction of a teacher. I really like her poem:

I can't believe it!

We've landed on the moon!

Through the window

I can see grey dust

And craters

I can't belive it!

My fee

Will be the first

To ever touch the moon!

Open the door,

I'm ready

Here I come!

This book could be a jumping off point for kids to research more about the moon landing and especially the involvement of Australia. Behind the News could be a good starting point. If you are using this book with a class you could investigate a KidsNews free subscription. The BBC also have some good resources. 

Sensitive readers may find Charlotte's reactions to the elderly people in the aged care home a little confronting. I related to this because my precious little Nan was in an aged care home when I was about the same age as Charlotte. More recently I watched young children visiting elderly relatives in a care home where my mother sadly spent her final years. I suggest you could look for Newpaper Hats which is a picture book by Phil Cummings as a way to talk about the effects of dementia and memory loss. 

Here is a video review from Kid Lit Joy. Anna Ciddor has some background photos that link with this story on her webpage. You could make use of these in a book talk with your library group. Read the blurb and review page from Lamont Books.

Anna Ciddor’s story explores history and family in delicate and emotional ways in this book, getting to the heart of Letty’s relationship with her grandfather, what he means to her and what knowing her in the past meant to him as well. The Book Muse

Thank you to Allen and Unwin for sending me a review copy. Moonboy was released yesterday. 

Companion book:

Footprints on the Moon

Here are some other books by Anna Ciddor. I especially loved one of her very early book - Runestone.

52 Mondays

The Wheelbarrow Express by Sue Whiting illustrated by Cate James

I am working my way through the CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) 2024 notable titles. The Wheelbarrow Express is a title from the Early Childhood list and I really like it. The intended audience for books in this category is ages 0-6 and I can see this book will be perfect to share with your own young reading companion or grandchild or with a younger group in your library or preschool. Why? I will list some features here:

• The setting is a farm - all young children, even if they have not had the opportunity to visit a farm, love farm animals especially pigs and chickens.
• The relationships are warm and recognisable - Grandfather and grandson. And there is the arrival of a new baby which is an adjustment for all older siblings.
• There is a repeated refrain - toot! toot! choo-choo-choo-choo. After all this is an express "train" and there are many stations to visit along the route.
• The plot is linear as the child and adult travel through the farm, so it is easy for a young child to anticipate a happy ending or in this case reunion with mum and the baby.
• Adults will love the tiny touches of poignancy - grandad knows he will see Tom again but today is the final day of this visit. Grandad is clearly choked up when they say goodbye to the dam - his voice has gone croaky, and that final hug is so special - I certainly felt the strong squeeze of Pa's arms.
• The plot races along with the wheelbarrow but before we reach the end the journey there is time just to sit still and enjoy skipping stones into the yabby dam. (A reminder to slow your reading down too and make a plan to one day skip stones too.)
• This is a universal story of love and shared experiences, but it also feels Australian (I mentioned the yabby dam).
• And there are also those all-important touches of sweet humour such as when the goat steals Tom's railway cap. 
• The collection of treasures are the perfect way to recap their journey - the special shared moments of, not just that day, but over the whole visit. 
• This book will be one you share with your young reading companion more than once and I would anticipate that some of the phrases might become part of your own family vocabulary - "Put away the gloomies"; "With a bump and a bounce and a toot"; and "Till next time."
• I love that this is not an end-of-life story - it is just a happy day shared across the generations. Too often we categorise grandparents as elderly, but the reality is a child the age of Tom, I'd say he is 3 or 4, would have a grandfather who is only 65-70 years old.

Image Source: Walker Books

I have previously talked about the art of Cate James. It really shines in this book. I highly recommend this book and suggest after reading you go down to your shed, pull out your old wheelbarrow and go for a ride around your own backyard or park. 

The CBCA Judges said: A heartwarming celebration of the loving bond between a child and grandparent is shared in this timeless narrative. Readers may be familiar with a wheelbarrow ride and will enjoy joining Tom and Pa on their last day on the farm together, journeying on the wheelbarrow express, collecting mementos and revisiting favourite spots and memories. The language is simple and accessible for young readers, with onomatopoeia and some verbs emphasised in a different font. Crucial to the narrative, the farm setting is gloriously reflected in the soft colour palette of blue, greens and browns. Avoiding sentimentality, the narrative alternates between the pair’s genuine banter and playful descriptions of farmyard activities and closes on a reassuring and satisfying note.

This is a charming story celebrating the special bond between grandparent and grandchild that is destined to become a family favourite. The Bottom Shelf

I do hope we see The Wheelbarrow Express as a short-listed title. I previously hoped this would happen with another book by Sue Whiting:

Beware the Deep Dark Forest

See more books by Sue Whiting here on her webpage. With a group of older students in Grade 1 or 2 you could read another terrific book that features a journey in a wheelbarrow:

The Man whose Mother was a Pirate

Grandma's Story by Moira Butterfield illustrated by Salvatore rubbino

When my precious little grandmother (we called her little Nan) died in the 1970s I realised there were so many questions I didn't ask. Amy Elizabeth was born in 1887 so just think about all the changes she saw in her lifetime. I had the same dilemma when my dad died (1923-2001) and later when my mum died.  So many unanswered questions. This book explores the idea that it is so important to ask questions and ask them often. I wonder that no book I have seen before works from this premise. Well done Walker Books UK - this book is truly special. If you know someone who is a new Grandparent I suggest this book would be a really perfect gift. 

Here are some of the questions:

• Where did you live when you were little?
• What food did you like when you were small? Which food didn't you like at all?
• Did you have a toy that you liked best?
• Did you have a pet that you helped to look after?

Then the book goes on to talk about the story from photographs and the wish of the grandmother that her grandchild will grow and change and learn.

At the back of the book there are further ideas for questions to ask your grandparents. I am certain you will be able to think of lots of others. This book might also inspire you to sort and preserve some of the millions of photos we take on our phones. We have moved from an age of scarce photos to one of abundance. (No one took any photos of my mother until she was a teenager and I only have photos of my little Nan aged 60+).  The issue now is finding a way to hold onto the important family moments captured in all those phone photos so you can share them with your children and grandchildren as they grow older. 

In someways the diverse answers in this book really don't matter. They are interesting but the true joy that will come from sharing this book will be the conversation you (the adult) share with your young reading companion. This book will also be perfect to use in a classroom as a catalyst for conversations at home and as a part of a history topic in Grade One or Two. 

Bookwagon loves this picture book. We suggest it is a magnificent choice to read aloud, to build discussion and understanding from. Grandma’s Story is a welcome addition to any school or home bookshelf.

I am a HUGE fan of art by Salvatore Rubbino.  Take a look at these books:

Ride the Wind (one of my most favourite picture books)

Just Ducks

Our Very Own Dog

The Whales' Song by Dyan Sheldon illustrated by Gary Blythe

Lilly's grandmother tells her about the whales who once used to visit the bay near their home. Lilly's grandmother explains to Lilly if you want to see and more importantly hear the whales you need to leave them a gift - a perfect shell or a beautiful stone.

Sadly, Lilly's old Uncle Frederick has no time for these fanciful tales. In his view the whales were hunted for their meat, bones and blubber. He is sure all of the whales are long gone. 

Lilly's dreams are filled with whales and so in the morning she drops a yellow flower into the water at the end of the jetty. That night something magical happens:

"Her heart was pounding as she reached the sea. There enormous in the ocean, were the whales. They leapt and jumped and spun across the moon. Their singing filled up the night. Lilly saw her yellow flower dancing on the spray."

Sheldon captures a child's wonder at these magnificent creatures, echoed, in a splendid debut, in Blythe's generously broad oil paintings. His whales- -viewed from near, unusual vantage points—are benignly heroic while, from dawn to moonlight, his sea and sky are beautifully observed; best are his lovely, perceptive portraits of the old woman's wise, lined face and Lilly's tousled curls and expressive eyes. Outstanding. Kirkus

The Whales' Song was first published in 1990 but I am happy to see a paperback edition is still available. This is also a book you are sure to find in a library. I have mentioned The Whales' Song in a past blog post  and again here but today I realised I have not dedicated a post to this richly illustrated text.

Dyan Sheldon was born in America but now lives in London. I own another of her books also illustrated by Gary - The Garden or in another edition Under the Moon. The Whales' Song was Gary Blythe's first picture book. 

Here is another book illustrated by Gary Blythe:

Dance like a Leaf by AJ Irving illustrated by Claudia Navarro

Dance like a Leaf (2020)

Using the framework of the seasons we meet a little girl and see her spending time with her precious grandmother. The two share time among the autumn leaves and enjoy warm cups of tea. By October it is clear Grandma is beginning to fail. She no longer waves to the trees and even making a cup of tea has become difficult. By November Grandma stays in bed and sadly by December Grandma is gone. 

"Grandma's bed is empty. Our teacups sat in a tidy stack. Our scarves hang like a rainbow, quiet but vibrant. Winter turns to spring, spring turns to summer, and summer turns to autumn."

When Grandma is gone it is wonderful to see the little girl continuing their shared traditions of leaf dancing, tea drinking and waving to the trees. You can see some art from this book on the Barefoot Books web site.

If all the World were ... (2018)

This book begins in Spring. A little girl enjoys long walks hand in hand with her Grandad. The little girl wishes she could stop her Grandad growing old by rewinding his birthdays. In summer they play with a set of toy racing cars. In Autumn Grandad gives his grand daughter a blank notebook - a place to write and draw her dreams. In Winter Grandad shares the stories of his childhood. Sadly the next time they visit his chair is empty. His tales have become silent. As the family pack up the house the little girl finds treasures which work as memory triggers - dried flowers; a toy racing car; a ball of silver foil from the sweets they shared; and a packet of rainbow pencils. "A kaleidoscope of memories".

You can see some art from this book here.

This is a book which addresses the difficult issue of loss gently and with understanding. Books for Keeps

Allison Colpoys is an Australian illustrator. You may know her books Under the Love Umbrella and All the Ways to be Smart.

These two books deal with the sad topic - the death of a grand parent. Both handle this gently and focus on the very precious and important relationship children can have with an older family member. It is interesting to see that both use seasons as a way to mark the passing of time and the sadness of their loss occurs during Winter. With the topic of death and bereavement I think it is better to have read a book like this long before the actual life event. I have mentioned this previously. If you would like to read other books written for young children about death and grieving take a look at the Pinterest collection curated by my friend from Kinderbookswitheverything.

In the library where I worked today the Teacher-Librarian talked to the children briefly about the loss of two famous illustrators which happened just last week. The Teacher Librarian wisely told the young children that while these two people - Eric Carle and Lois Ehlert - were old and had reached the end of their lives we are so lucky because we will always have their beautiful books which we can read and revisit any time. We have a lasting memory.

This post is dedicated to the memory of Eric Carle (1929-2021) and Lois Ehlert (1934-2021).

Go well Anna Hibiscus! by Atinuke illustrated by Lauren Tobia

If you would like to read a little book that will

• make you smile
• make you cheer
• make you feel like a visitor to Africa

and most importantly confirm why reading is such a special experience
go out and grab a copy of Go Well Anna Hibiscus!

I have written about other books by Atinuke and I do think she is such a talented writer.  Perhaps you have never heard of her and this might be because her books are intended for our youngest beginning readers but don't let the idea of a junior novel deter you - Atinuke is able to take her reader into Africa and into the lives of a very special family with Anna herself at the heart of the action.

Firstly let me introduce Anna Hibiscus :

"Anna Hibiscus lives with her mother and her father, her grandmother and her grandfather, her aunties and her uncles, her many-many cousins and her own two brothers, Double and Trouble. They all live together in a big white house in a big busy city on the wonderful continent of Africa."

As this story opens Anna's grandparents have decided to travel back to their remote village.  Grandfather says "he wants to be somewhere quiet enough to hear his memories think."

Anna and her three big cousins will travel with their grandparents but the car is too full so at the last minute Anna and her cousin Joy are left to follow behind on a very crowded bus.  The journey is long and filled with with interesting sights, experiences and characters.  Finally the girls arrive at their destination but there is nothing to be seen.  They must now take a long and dangerous walk to the village.  Anna is carrying her pet chicken Snow White and Joy has Anna's big pink bag. The girls must carefully place their feet in the footprints of the older women in order to avoid snakes but it is hot and Anna soon becomes quite exhausted.

"The village women were walking swiftly a long way ahead.  Their loads were balanced gracefully on their heads.  Anna Hibiscus was hot and too tired and too thirsty to even cry. ... Suddenly Anna Hibiscus knew what to do.  She shook Snow White off her head.  She balanced his heavy basket there instead. Snow White flew onto it. .. Anna Hibiscus did not stop she was not going to be left behind in a bush full of snakes!"

Joy copies this idea and everyone arrives safely. Now Anna must find a way to fit into village life.  She is too young to go swimming in the river and has no interest in sitting with the older men as they gather to gossip and reminisce.  Her solution to this problem will make you smile.

If you have not yet met Anna Hibiscus take a minute to watch this terrific video of one of her picture books. These are such wonderful books - simply perfect for young readers who are just gaining confidence.  We have nearly all the titles in our school library so why not borrow one today?

these gentle stories are illustrated on nearly every page with Tobia's gray-scale sketches. Accurate cultural details will appeal to readers curious about life in an unfamiliar world. 

Heartbeat by Sharon Creech

As usual I love to begin my holidays with a good book and for the start of this Summer break, I picked out a book I read quite a long time ago. It is one I often recommend to my senior Primary students.

Heartbeat is a verse novel and as I have mentioned in other review of verse novels this genre always seem to pack a very emotional punch.

Annie and her friend Max love to run. For Annie running is a release, a joy, fun! For Max running is a competition, an obsession, the way to forge a new destiny. Being twelve and thirteen their lives are changing. Annie will soon have a new sibling. Heartbeat is a chronicle of the development of the new baby from just a few cells “little, tiny cells multiplying every second” through to delivery. At the other end of life, Annie and her parents share their home with her elderly grandfather. He was also once a runner, but his life is slowly drawing to a close and his memory is failing. “He says he is falling to bits little pieces stop working each day and his brain is made of scrambled eggs.” These two aspects of Annie’s life lead her to think very deeply about life and relationships.

“Max also reminds me
that when I was ten
I suddenly jumped of a swing
and said
‘Why are we here?’
…
Am I supposed to do something
Important?
It doesn’t seem enough
to merely take up space
on this planet
in this country
in this state
in this town
in this family
…
I do not yet know
what I should be
or
do.”

The other truly special moments in this book come as Annie works on an art project. We have an art room in our Primary school, and I would love to think there might be children who treasure this room the way Annie does: “Twice a week at school we have art class with Miss Freely in a room I’d like to live in.” The art project is to draw apples for 100 days. This simple idea provides a beautiful metaphor for the evolution of life Creech explores though this book.

If you enjoyed Don’t breathe a word by Marianne Musgrove and all the books by Sherryl Clarke and Sally Murphy (Pearl verses the world), Heartbeat is even better. Sharon Creech is a master writer of the verse novel. You might also enjoy an old but very special picture book we have in our library called A Rabbit named Harris by Nan Hunt. Take a look at my reviews of Love that Dog and Hate that Cat. (Sharon Creech made a comment about this review and it is one of my proudest blog moments!).

I often muse about the way a book reaches me. Earlier this year a senior student lost our copy of Heartbeat. After quite a long period we purchased a new copy and then about four weeks ago the old copy was unearthed in a different classroom. This original copy is in fairly poor shape so we have withdrawn it from our collection and thus I bought it home to read. My holidays are off to a fabulous start with the reading of this sensitive and affirming story. You can read some notes here by Sharon Creech and an extensive set of questions for teachers who might like to use this book with a class.

Post update 30th June, 2024. I just read this book for the third time and loved it all over again.  I have added different cover designs to the top of this post and my five star rating.