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Joyce Dunbar was born and brought up in Lincolnshire. She taught English for 20 years before becoming a full-time writer. Her books for children include This is the Star, which became a world-wide best-seller, and Mundo and the Weatherchild, which was runner-up for the Guardian Children's Fiction Award. The popular Mouse and Mole series has been animated for television with the voices of Alan Bennett and Richard Briers. She lives in Norwich.
Book Band: Lime Ideal for ages 6+ | Dylan dreams that he’s living in a jam jar, cut off from his family, in a silent world. In fact, he’s losing his hearing and that brings all sorts of issues. He doesn’t like how loud the world is with his hearing aids in, doesn’t like the way the others in his class treat him differently now; and he feels that without sound to anchor him he’s somehow floating away. It takes a hair-raising experience, and the quick-thinking and love of his dog Pluto to bring him back down to earth. In the new Bloomsbury Readers series, this story is written specifically for children just growing reading confidence and understanding, with short chapters and illustrations on every page. Nonetheless, the story is subtle and moving, with lots to prompt discussion and reflection. There are questions to share with children at the end to help them get the most from the story.
A bad mood gives rise to a really joyous picture book. Duck is cross and out of sorts. She can’t paddle in the pond because it’s dry and she’s got no-one to play with. The other animals invite her to play with them but by then she’s really sulking, so deep in her bad mood – represented by an ever-growing black cloud over her head – that she grumps at them all, spreading her tetchiness. Then finally the black cloud bursts and all the animals, led by Duck, come together for a splashy, playful, raucous rendition of Singing in the Rain. Children will understand exactly how Duck feels, while Petr Horacek’s jewel-bright, richly textured artwork is spectacularly beautiful.
Tibs the legendary Post Office mouser is the hero of this story. He’s adopted by the sorters at Mount Pleasant to deal with the mice that are nibbling the mail, just like the real life Tibs, but here Joyce Dunbar lets her imagination take over: Tibs, lonely and missing his mum, makes friends with the mice rather than eating them, and soon they are willingly helping him keep the Post Office spic and span. Once the building is spotless there’s more excitement as the head postmaster prepares for a visit from Princess Elizabeth. The story is full of incident and the details both in the text and the illustrations will delight children. Tibs is a lively presence in Claire Fletcher’s gorgeous illustrations and the mice scamper across the pages with real glee. ~ Andrea Reece
It’s the middle of the night, but little pat-a-cake baby wants to bake a special cake and does, with the help of three laughing, mischievous baby helpers. And what fun they have – mixing the ingredients, whisking, stirring, sieving and shaking. The story is told in rhyme that is real fun to read aloud, and Polly Dunbar’s illustrations are full of life. As the little bakers dance and frisk across the pages, it’s impossible not to feel as light-hearted and joyful as they look. The story concludes with the cake baked and on a plate, with a slice for you, and a slice for me – and a slice for the Moon, who turns up for tea. Delicious! ~ Andrea Reece
It’s the middle of the night, but little pat-a-cake baby wants to bake a special cake and does, with the help of three laughing, mischievous baby helpers. And what fun they have – mixing the ingredients, whisking, stirring, sieving and shaking. The story is told in rhyme that is real fun to read aloud, and Polly Dunbar’s illustrations are full of life. As the little bakers dance and frisk across the pages, it’s impossible not to feel as light-hearted and joyful as they look. The story concludes with the cake baked and on a plate, with a slice for you, and a slice for me – and a slice for the Moon, who turns up for tea. Delicious! ~ Andrea Reece
Longlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal 2014 - One of our Books of the Year 2013 Cat lovers everywhere will relish this beauty of a book. Jill Barton’s glorious large scale illustrations capture the different moods of this changeable feline star. Good cat or bad cat? Joyce Dunbar’s lyrical and rhythmic text beautifully describes the many kinds of cat within the one creature. Entertaining and thoughtful, this is a book to enjoy again and again.
Cat lovers everywhere will relish this beauty of a book. Jill Barton’s glorious large scale illustrations capture the different moods of this changeable feline star. Good cat or bad cat? Joyce Dunbar’s lyrical and rhythmic text beautifully describes the many kinds of cat within the one creature. Entertaining and thoughtful, this is a book to enjoy again and again.
Book Band: Lime Ideal for ages 6+ | Dylan dreams that he’s living in a jam jar, cut off from his family, in a silent world. In fact, he’s losing his hearing and that brings all sorts of issues. He doesn’t like how loud the world is with his hearing aids in, doesn’t like the way the others in his class treat him differently now; and he feels that without sound to anchor him he’s somehow floating away. It takes a hair-raising experience, and the quick-thinking and love of his dog Pluto to bring him back down to earth. In the new Bloomsbury Readers series, this story is written specifically for children just growing reading confidence and understanding, with short chapters and illustrations on every page. Nonetheless, the story is subtle and moving, with lots to prompt discussion and reflection. There are questions to share with children at the end to help them get the most from the story.
An enchanting Christmas picture book about the magic and anticipation of Christmas Eve. There's only one more sleep till Christmas, and Lucas and Willow, the moon and the stars are all waiting... Waiting for Christmas morning, and presents, and mince pies and fun. But, unbeknown to Lucas and Willow, the magic has already begun. As silently and secretly the toys come to life... Perfect for sharing on Christmas Eve, this atmospheric story will soon become a new festive tradition. Written by master storyteller Joyce Dunbar, with stunning, classic illustrations from award-winning artist Victoria Turnbull.
Can anyone cheer up Grumpy Duck? A funny farmyard tale illustrated by the award-winning Petr Horacek. Duck is grumpy. The pond is dry and, even worse, there's a grey cloud following her around. Can any of Duck's friends cheer her up? A funny farmyard tale about friendship from Joyce Dunbar, illustrated by award-winning artist Petr Horacek with his trademark colourful flair.
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