A ring tossed from a horse in Ireland in 1830 travels across time and space to find love again in 1960's New York. Graham's atmospheric illustrations of this remarkable journey offer a real sense of the passage of time and the grand scheme of things. There is much for children to talk about and a lot to ponder on within the pages of this thought-provoking book.
The Poesy Ring
My Worst Book Ever!
Allan Ahlberg describes the journey of a story from the glimmer of an idea in an author's head to a fully-fledged published story in this unique picture book. Children will be fascinated by the inner workings of an author's mind as he shapes his story, and delighted by the influences - and chaos! - which affect the final production. Lots of lovely detail and humour is provided by Bruce Ingman's illustrations.
Not Just a Book
Jeannie Willis is one of my favourite picture book creators - I never go anywhere without a copy of the deeply shocking Tadpole's Promise, or the essential read-aloud Lottie Potter Wants an Otter. This latest creation celebrates the joy that books can bring into one's life in so many unexpected ways. Anarchic pictures by the inimitable Tony Ross will elicit much hilarity but the message is clear. Books are amazing.
About this month's reviewer
February's Top Texts have been chosen by Marilyn Brocklehurst, a librarian at heart. She worked her way up through the Library Service before leaving to set up her ideal bookshop - the Norfolk Children's Book Centre. She works as a literacy consultant and provides INSET in schools. Marilyn is often called on to help in many ways e.g. with school library improvement, National conference support, the judging of National book awards and with book reviews for The Bookseller, The Guardian and others.