I would like to begin by saying that as my children are older I have not read the first three books in the series so I am coming at this with fresh eyes and no expectations. I have however seen the covers of the previous titles and will say this one is just as adorable as the others.
It's very definitely a sweet and engaging read and, a word I
use very deliberately for books of this ilk - wholesome. It's that feel-good,
warm-fuzzy uplifting narrative to which young readers always respond with
alacrity. Actually, it puts me in mind of some of our great middle-grade
authors such as the wonderful Robin Klein and Morris Gleitzman.
We've likely all known a kid like Wren, or maybe even been that kid ourselves. He's the outsider. The one who's friendless and never seems to fit in anywhere. He's quiet and his anxiety often causes him to be tongue-tied. His mum is caring and loving but, as a single mother lacking any support from the ex-husband, she's always super busy and very tired, working two part-time jobs. His older brother works too.
Happy #sundayselfie day! It is my pleasure to welcome the wonderful Pip Harry and Yiscah Marcatili. This week we are celebrating their beautiful new picture book Spare Kisses.
Eve’s Nan has lots of spares. A spare key in her pot plant for after-school drop-ins. Seats at the table for morning tea pop-ins. A collection of teacups in all shapes and sizes. And always, yes, always, delicious surprises. Most special of all are Nan’s spare kisses that make everything right.
A warm-hearted celebration of the endless supply of love (and treats!) that grandmothers have for their grandchildren.
Nonna is an adorable Italian grandparent. She loves getting up early and talking to the chickens. She loves baking biscotti and going to the markets. She loves knitting and sewing and even the occasional bit of gossip.
But more than anything she loves her family.
Along with that, this new narrative also has a strong family theme and, in particular, the connection between quirky grandchild and equally quirky grandmother. Freddie Jones is autistic and quite matter-of-fact about that. He is very self-aware and is generally able to self-regulate. His great asset in this is Hobnob, his assistance dog.
It explores
traditions around food, cooking, recipes passed down through the generations,
the absolute joy of eating and family life – all of which are squished together
into a tangle of mouth-watering hope and delight.
A nice hot drink and warm words are prepared to explain it all away.
Grandpa uses positive words to alleviate the negative ones that are stifling Blair’s brain; to bring a smile and remove the frown.
A stunning double-spread expresses the darkness that envelops someone who is blue. There is no light. They feel alone.
Dani Colvin has captured these emotions in her illustrations, by using colour to describe the characters' feelings.
It focuses entirely on a family - a grandmother, two children, and a rabbit, and the choices they make.
Survival is utmost. As they move to the top of their apartment building, a shed becomes their refuge.
The entire building is transformed into an immovable object in the flooded waters.
Their wait for help proves futile and after many days, they realise that help isn’t coming.
Full of
fun, fancy, mischief and a surprise or two, this book celebrating Grandmothers
and their four-wheeled companions is sure to elicit many smiles.
Celebrating
all that is wonderful in the Grandmother/grandchild relationship (and some
things that will make your hair curl!), this picture book is a true delight.
A loose rhythm and an easy-going, predictable style mean that there is a great sense of anticipation that builds for the reader.
Grandmother
from the East Grandmother from the West is the kind of picture book I wish I had access to
when I was a kid, daughter of mixed cultures and parents, growing up in an
Australia that didn’t quite feel like my true home but was more home than where either
of my grandmothers came from.
Integrated with the baking, is the loving relationship between a child and his Gran, and a sense of joy.
Harry and Gran love being together.
On this special day, they plan to bake. Out comes the recipe book.
Difficult choices are made.
Chocolate, of course!
Harry’s favourite.
Their house is tiny,
consisting of only one each of the most necessary items of furniture.
Imagine the chaos of eight people waiting their turn to use the one toilet.
Bedtime comes with other challenges.
Lots of complaining, moans and groans, echo through the small areas.
Imaginings of a place catering for each person’s needs, frequently occupies everyone’s mind.
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Saturday, Sunday depicts one family’s weekend routine.
Rhyming text by Natalie Kate Forbes both stands alone and flows beautifully. It’s complemented by Danny Snell’s gentle, connected illustrations.
As you follow the words and pictures, it feels like you’re right there among the family, being led along as they progress through the weekend.