**Books received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.
While You're Sleeping by Mick Jackson and illustrated by John Broadley (2/2021; ISBN: 978-1843654650; Hardcover $19.95; Ages 4-8; 40 pages) is a beautifully illustrated picture book about what happens at night time by a Booker shortlisted author.
There's a whole world of activity out there while we're asleep in our beds, from bakers preparing bread and cakes and firefighters waiting patiently for a call, to hospitals caring for those who are ill and postal workers sorting our mail. There is also wildlife such as foxes foraging, bats flying, and owls hunting for prey. And around the world there are children who are playing, learning, eating, and reading while we're tucked up asleep.
Perfect for bedtime, this book opens up a whole world of wonder and imagination for children and provides solace if they wake in the early hours. In his first children's book, illustrator John Broadley works in a limited palette, moving from soft dusk colors to warm dawn tones.
The Greatest Show Penguin by Lucy Freegard (2/2021; ISBN: 978-1-84365-483-4; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 3-6; 32 pages) is a heartwarming story about overcoming fears and the meaning of success
Poppy the Penguin comes from a long line of circus performers. Many skills have been passed down from penguin to penguin. However, Poppy soon decides that performing in the family circus is not for her, as she prefers to feel calm and in control. But the hardest thing is not juggling, or riding a unicycle--it's telling her mum that she doesn't want to perform any more. Her bravery is worth it when Poppy discovers a better role--organizing and coordinating the whole show. And what a show it turns out to be! This tale of overcoming shyness and lack of confidence is both a funny and sensitive parody of the record-breaking movie The Greatest Showman, and a celebration of girl power!
Alone! by Barry Falls (3/2021; ISBN: 978-1843654858; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 3-6; 32 pages) is a richly illustrated laugh-out-loud tale with a gentle message.
There once was a boy called Billy McGill
who lived by himself at the top of a hill.
He spent every day in his house all alone
for Billy McGill liked to be on his own...
One day Billy hears the squeak of a mouse, which destroys his peaceful existence. So he gets a cat to catch the mouse. But the cat and the mouse make friends. So he gets a dog to chase the cat. But they all play together. So then he gets a bear... then a tiger... and on it goes, until Billy's house is so filled with animals that he has to move out. Will he find that he still craves peace and quiet, or is it better to have company and friends? This a laugh-out-loud story of growing chaos, with a subtle message about how it's good to have friends.
The Last Tree by Emily Haworth-Booth (3/2021; ISBN: 978-1843654841; Hardcover $16.95; Ages 4-8; 32 pages) is hailed as a "thought-provoking picture book" by Guardian and "beautifully executed" by The Sunday Times.
This second picture book from Waterstones Children's Book Prize nominee Emily Haworth-Booth is an eco-fable with the feel of an instant classic, while also being topical in the current environmental and political climate.
Looking for some great new reads for your children this spring? The spring picture books from Pavilion Children's books are sure to bring joy to your family. My family recently had the chance to check them out for ourselves. So, what did we think? We loved each and every one of them.
First of all, the illustrations in each of these books was absolutely fantastic. The styles of each book might have been vastly different, but each one featured beautifully drawn illustrations that both my daughter and I absolutely loved. These illustrations are a great way to draw children into the story and wanting to turn the pages--- especially for those kids who are not yet independent readers!
But of course, it's the stories themselves that matter most and these were fantastic in that way as well.
While You Were Sleeping takes a look at the world that goes on around us even as we're asleep in our bed... the firefighters and healthcare workers working around the clock to keep us safe and well. The hours put in long past bedtime to help our lives run as they are... and of course the animals doing their nighttime thing as well. It was a really sweet little book and truly perfect for bedtime too.
The Greatest Show Penguin immediately caught my eye, as The Greatest Showman happens to be a favorite movie of mine. Aside from that, what kid doesn't enjoy both penguins AND the circus!? Both of my kids certainly do. While it was the colorful illustrations that drew us in, we so enjoyed the story too- a story of following your dreams and finding the role you were made to play! A fun book with a great message too--- always our favorite kind of reads!
Alone! likewise had colorful illustrations that drew us in... and the story had us laughing out loud! If you love a little chaos, this book on friendship is certainly going to be a must read. We really enjoyed this fun read and are certain to revisit again and again.
The Last Tree is a great read that will help to remind kids the importance of taking care of the planet. It's beautifully illustrated (perhaps my favorite of the four, though it's hard to say with such different styles) and really does read like an age old classic. My daughter really enjoyed this cute little story too!
These are all great reads and perfect additions to any home library!
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