The Silk Roads A New History of the World - Illustrated Edition
11+ readers 13+ readersAdapted for a younger readership from the author’s celebrated adult book of the same name, this illustrated history of the Silk Roads, bound in a majestic gold and blue package, is the perfect present for fledging historians. The book’s journey leads armchair adventurers along thrilling, far-reaching roads, taking in the history of ancient Persia, Constantinople, Rome, Attila the Hun, the emergence of Islam, Viking slavery, Genghis Khan, Columbus - and more - from a holistic perspective. “You might even think of the Silk Roads as the world’s central nervous system, linking all the organs of the body together”, the author suggests in the introduction, and his engaging exploration of the interplay between politics, science, religion and trade certainly gives this book far greater tang than your standard textbook. Indeed, generously spiced with exquisite illustrations and maps that inform as they enthrall, young history buffs will undoubtedly devour this pitch-perfect treasure, and grown-ups will get much from it too.
Little Faces: Wake Up, Santa!
Baby and Toddler 3+ readersThis clever interactive board book is just the thing to get everyone smiling in the run up to Christmas. Turning the pages really does wake up Santa, thanks to a neat bit of paper engineering. Readers can wake up an elf too, and watch Rudolph’s nose light up, before a teddy gets ready to play. The artwork is bright and lively, full of things to spot, count, name and discuss and it’s a really useful first book as well as being a fun introduction to the festive season. ~ Andrea Reece
Hats of Faith
Baby and Toddler 3+ readers 5+ readersOne of Our Books of the Year 2017 | There should be more books like this: in bright, appealing illustrations it tells children how people of different faiths cover their heads to show their love for God. Working on the principle that learning about each other makes it easy for us to be more understanding and therefore tolerant, each page features a man, woman or child with a short, friendly line of text to explain who they are and to name their headpiece (phonetic pronunciation is provided too). Amongst others, we’re introduced to a Sikh man in a Turban, a woman in a Tichel and a young boy in a Kippah. Their smiling faces immediately engage our attention making this a great book to encourage dialogue and discussion. ~ Andrea Reece For free colouring sheets, teaching tools and a look inside the book, please visit www.hatsoffaith.com
Salam Alaikum A Message of Peace
5+ readers 7+ readersThere’s a sense of kindness and of people coming together in this bright, lively picture book. A young boy – clearly Harris J. in his trademark beanie – shares his umbrella with a stranger in the rain, triggering a torrent of good deeds. On each following page we see small acts of kindness, highlighted against vibrant splashes of sunshiny yellow. Meanwhile, sharp eyed readers will spot in the background people hurrying along with cans of paint; on the last spread we see they have painted a mural across a wall and the final image is of a long chain of people of all sizes and nationalities holding hands in front of it with the words, ‘Always be kind, always remind one another: peace on the Earth every day’. That’s the meaning of Assalamu Alaikum the book tells us, and the warmth and positivity of this message is perfectly conveyed. ~ Andrea Reece
The Promised One
5+ readers 7+ readersThe Promised One is a perfect way to introduce children to the Easter story. Words and pictures describe the events from Palm Sunday to the Resurrection simply but clearly and offer lots of opportunity for questions and discussion. The illustrations contrast the drama with quiet moments, the shock and devastation felt by Jesus’ friends with final scenes of peace and joy. ~ Andrea Reece
The Unofficial Old and New Testaments for Minecrafters The Bible Told Block by Block
7+ readers 9+ readers 11+ readersThis is Minecraft but not as you know it. Although not officially Minecraft, the Minecrafters Bible has been created by Christopher Miko and Garrett Romines, who having seen the amazing connection children have with this game and have been taking Minecraft to schools as a teaching aid. Their aim with the Minecrafters Bible was to produce something unique and tell the stories of the bible in a language that children understand. Beginning with ‘The Creation’, this simple and engaging presentation of both the Old and New Testament show the stories using the terrains and 3d blocks that Minecraft fans will easily identify with. Not only will they be able to explore the major themes within the bible but the young readers can also marvel at the building skills shown by Romines and Miko. The entire books were actually built in Minecraft and then photo edited and put together with the stories Romines adapted from the bible. The attention to detail is incredible and even include Miko’s specially created skins for the characters. The books are informative and full of humour, there are also references to the game itself that any serious Minecraft fan will enjoy spotting. Thankfully I no longer need to refer to my review copy as it has disappeared into the clutches of my Minecraft mad nine year old and he isn’t giving it back anytime soon. ~ Shelley Fallows
Christmas Stencil Activity Pack
5+ readers 7+ readersGet into the Spirit of Christmas! This activity pack contains a paperback book of the story of the Nativity, helping young children understand the meaning with clear and simple text, and accompanied by endearing illustrations that joyfully depict the wondrous story of Jesus' birth. There are also Christmas themed stencils and a colouring sheet so that young ones can create their own nativity inspired art work.
The Lion Nativity Colouring Book
5+ readers 7+ readersPens and pencils out - these intricate line drawings are waiting to be coloured in! See the story of the Nativity come to life by adding your own creative touch to the original Christmas story as you colour in the beautiful illustrations throughout this festive this colouring book.
Noah's Noisy Animals
Baby and Toddler 3+ readersRebecca Elliott tells the story of Noah’s Ark with extraordinary economy and charm, capturing all the drama and the joy. On chunky board book pages we see two lovely lions, two magnificent monkeys, two brown bears, two pretty parrots, followed by one noisy Noah (he’s snoring), one daring dove, then the ark, under the rainbow, packed with animals and ‘full of love’. It’s a triumph, the whole momentous story in just 27 words! So much of the impact comes from the illustrations, beautiful mixed-media, minimalist but full of life and emotion – it’s clear from the pictures of the animals that they love one another. Stylish to look at, fun to read, and genuinely moving. ~ Andrea Reece
Guess Who? Christmas A Flip-the-Flap Book
Baby and ToddlerA perfect book to keep little ones amused on Christmas Morning....guess who is hiding under the flaps. A simple version of the Nativity story, vibrantly illustrated and a lovely final scene.
Christmas Journey Storybook With Pop-Up Play Scenes
Baby and Toddler 3+ readers 5+ readersAn ingenious Christmas book and playmat in one, with six colourful scenes with plenty to spot and find on each. There are also cardboard characters to help bring the story of the nativity to life.
The Lion First Bible
5+ readers 7+ readersSixty Bible stories are retold here in easy-to-understand language matched by attractive illustrations. Taken from both the Old and the New Testament some are already very familiar such as the story of Adam and Eve, the story of Joseph and his coat of many colours, the story of how David defeated Goliath and the story of the baby Moses being hidden for safety in the bulrushes. The stories of the birth, life and death of Jesus are also included.
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