Wow wow wow!
September's looking pretty hot for new children's picture book publications.
Here are ten that you'll no doubt want to have a place on your little ones bookshelves...
Franklin's Flying Bookshop - Jen Campbell & Katie Harnett - Thames & Hudson
September 7th
After seeing Katie's illustrations in 'Archie Snufflekins' and 'Ivy and the Lonely Raincloud', I'm excited to see her new book with author Jen Campbell.
"Franklin the dragon loves stories and loves reading stories to people too, but everyone is too scared to even talk to him.
One day, he meets a girl named Luna who, rather than being afraid, is fascinated to meet Franklin, having recently read all about dragons in one of her books.
They instantly become friends and talk nonstop about what they’ve read: books about roller-skating, King Arthur, spiders, and how to do kung fu.
Together they hatch a plan to share their love of books with others by opening a bookshop—, a flying bookshop, that is— right on Franklin’s back!"
Apples for Little Fox - Ekaterina Trukhan - Random House
September 5th
I'm a huge fan of Ekaterina's bright and fresh illustrations, so this should be a goodie!
"As Fox investigates the mystery of the missing apples, kids can follow along and solve the mystery on their own!
Fox loves to read mysteries; he wants to be a detective someday!
He goes to the library every morning and collects delicious apples to eat on his way home.
But one day, all the apples are missing!
What could have happened to them? Fox is so excited to crack his first case.
Follow along as he searches for clues and discovers a BIG surprise!"
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City Moon - Rachael Cole & Blanca Gomez - Random House
September 5th
Blanca's illustrations in the book 'Dear Bunny' were an absolute delight, so I've got high hopes for this!
"A little boy and his mother take a nighttime walk to search for the moon in this gentle, keenly observed bedtime book.
Soothing text and hip, colourful collage style illustrations create a nighttime story that follows a little boy and his Mama as they walk around their neighborhood looking for the moon.
As the elusive moon plays peek-a-boo behind buildings and clouds, the little boy asks simple questions about it, and his Mama patiently answers every one.
When finally the moon appears; bright and white and round and glowing; the Mama and her boy stop and wait for it to disappear again.
The moonlit walk continues until the boy yawns and Mama lifts him into her arms and whispers, "it is time for bed.""
Yak and Dove - Kyo Maclear & Esme Shapiro - Tundra
September 21st
Esme Shapiro's illustrations never disappoint, and I'm sure this latest addition alongside author Kyo Maclear will be wonderfully whimsical.
"Sometimes the unlikeliest friends form the greatest friendships.
A funny, charming picture book from a dynamic duo.
Friends Yak and Dove are complete opposites.
Yak is large and Dove is small. Yak has fur and Dove has feathers. Yak is polite. Dove is ill-mannered. Yak likes quiet. Dove likes noise.
One day as Yak and Dove list their differences they come to the conclusion that maybe they aren't meant to be friends.
In the hope of finding a new best friend, Yak holds auditions. But when a small feathered contestant sings Yak's favorite song, the two begin to think that maybe they are alike after all . . .
Yak and Dove whimsically captures the highs and lows of friendship through the three interconnected tales of two very different friends."
Little People, Big Dreams Audrey Hepburn - Amaia Arrazola & Isabel Sanchez Vegara - Frances Lincoln
September 7th
The whole series of these wonderful books are fantastic, so Audrey Hepburn will be a welcomed addition.
"New in the Little People, Big Dreams series, this inspiring and informative little biography follows the colourful life of iconic actress Audrey Hepburn, from her early life during World War Two, to ballet school, her acting career and UNICEF work. With stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, this empowering series celebrates the important life stories of wonderful women of the world. From designers and artists to scientists, all of them went on to achieve incredible things, yet all of them began life as a little child with a dream."
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In the Darkness of the Night - Emily Rand - Tate Publishing
September 7th
I loved Emilys other book, 'A Dog Day' , so looking forward to this offering.
"In the Darkness of the Night takes the reader through the sounds that a young child hears whilst curled up in bed waiting to fall asleep.
From the familiar, reassuring noises of the family and the home including muffled voices and humming pipes.
Next we move out into the garden, with the snuffling and screeching of foxes.
And then suddenly what's that? Zoom! A car speeds by and a distant siren sounds.
Then the illustrations expand to the city beyond, as we see those who work throughout the night, such as cleaners or nurses. And finally, as the sun rises, the early morning sounds begin with the birdsong, clatter of dustbins and letterboxes as the city wakes up again.
Emily Rand takes us on a gentle journey through the night, looking at all the sounds and activity that happen whilst you're tucked up warm in your bed!"
The Snow Lion - Jim Helmore & Richard Jones - Simon & Schuster
September 21st
Well, after falling head over heels for Richard Jones' beautiful illustrations after seeing them in 'Town Mouse Country Mouse' and 'Feelings', I literally cannot wait for this next month.
It's set to be something beautiful!
"From the fabulous partnership of award-winning author Jim Helmore and the brilliant Richard Jones comes a stunning book about friendship.
When Caro and her mum move to a new house, Caro becomes lonely.
There's only so much exploring she can do by herself! It's not long though before she makes a new friend - The Snow Lion. He's as white as snow, and together they have fun playing hide and seek, chasing and sliding.
However, it's soon time for Caro to venture out on her own ...
With a slighty magical, classic feel and a lovely message, The Snow Lion is a story which will appeal to children and parents alike, and the beautiful illustrations make this a book to treasure."
How to Make Friends with a Ghost - Rebecca Green - Tundra
September 7th
The first book from the super talented illustrator Rebecca Green...oooh should be good.
"What do you do when you meet a ghost? One: Provide the ghost with some of its favourite snacks, like mud tarts and earwax truffles.
Two: Tell your ghost bedtime stories (ghosts love to be read to).
Three: Make sure no one mistakes your ghost for whipped cream or a marshmallow when you aren't looking!
If you follow these few simple steps and the rest of the essential tips in How to Make Friends with a Ghost, you'll see how a ghost friend will lovingly grow up and grow old with you.
A whimsical story about ghost care, Rebecca Green's debut picture book is a perfect combination of offbeat humor, quirky and sweet illustrations, and the timeless theme of friendship."
Big Words for Little Geniuses - Susan & James Patterson & Hsinping Pan - Arrow
September 7th
You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but if this one's anything to go by, it looks brilliant, and sounds a lot of fun too!
"There's no gobbledygook in this book! Just fun big words for your Lilliputian genius to learn!
Why should your little genius's first word be cat when it can be catawampus? Start your child off with an early love of reading with these big words that are wonderfully fun to say!"
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Florence Frizzball - Claire Freedman & Jane Massey - Simon & Schuster
September 7th
Beautiful illustrations from Jane Massey...bound to be a hit with the smalls!
"A funny, heart-warming sibling story from Claire Freedman, author of the bestselling Aliens Love Underpants series and picture books Oliver and Patch and The Great Snortle Hunt. Florence's curly-whirly, wild and crazy hair couldn't be more different from her brother Ben's sleek and shiny do. She begs her mum to let a hairdresser try and tame it, but when she gets the restyle she's after, will Florence be happy with the outcome? Claire Freedman's rhyming text and Jane Massey's gorgeous illustrations perfectly combine to create laugh-out-loud moments and deliver an important message about being comfortable in your own skin."
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