We have here a cornucopia, a feast, a veritable buffet : let me lead you to three child friendly picture books, so in no particular order here we go:
Anansi and the Golden Pot by Taiya Selasi (£6.99, 6 January 2022, HB)
Award-winning author of Ghana Must Go, Taiye Selasi, reimagines the story of Anansi, the much-loved trickster, for a new generation: Kweku, has grown up listening to stories about the mischievous spider Anansi. Anansi is also Kweku’s nickname. But why? Ah, because his father says he has similarly cheeky ways. On a holiday to visit his beloved Grandma in Ghana, Anansi the spider and Anansi the boy meet, and discover a magical pot that can be filled with whatever they want. Anansi the boy fills it again and again with his favourite red-red stew, and eats so much that he feels sick. But … But … sadly, Anansi the boy feels this magical pot, and its gifts are just for HIM.
Will he, Anansi the boy, learn to share this wonderful gift?
This charming retelling of a West African story teaches readers about the dangers of greed, and the importance of being kind. Taiya Selasi’s writing is described as having a “glittering poetic command, a sense of daring, and a deep emotional investment in the lives and transformations of her characters.” which earned her a nomination for the NAACP Award for a previous book, Ghana Must Go (Penguin 2013) Taiya Selasi is a British-American writer and photographer. Born in London, UK, raised in Massachusetts, of Ghanaian and Nigerian origin. This is her first children’s book.
In You I See by Rachel Emily and Jodie Howard (£9.99, 6 January 2022, HB)
People are not always what they seem on the surface and it is important to look a little closer. This book does what a good book should – encourages its readers to use their imagination. In, In you I See the young readers are also drawn in to look within others, and themselves, and discover all that they have to offer. Are you as joyful and bright as a daffodil? Or as bold and brave as a … what? With energetic rhyming text by singer-songwriter Rachel “Maiday” Moulden and thoughtful atmospheric illustrations by Jodie Howard, the magic of rhyme and nature come together in harmony.
Rachel Emily has been a published songwriter for almost a decade. Alongside her own independent releases under the alias ‘Maiday’, Rachel’s commercial successes include penning and producing UK number one and US platinum-selling singles. Her poetry has been used as the stimulus for performances at the Barbican, London.
Jodie Howard (Illustrator) graduated from Cambridge School of Art in 2020, and was long-listed at the World Illustration Awards, and selected for both the AOI and D&AD’s ‘Ones To Watch’ showcase lists. I do love her illustrations, there is a stillness to them.
Forest by Brendan Kearney (£6.99, 6 January 2022, PB)
Join fisherman Finn and his dog, Skip, on their second adventure in this illustrated story book for young children, which teaches them about deforestation and what they can do to help. Forest is the ideal introduction to the environmental concerns facing our forests, featuring colourful illustrations and an engaging, light-hearted storyline, drawn and written by Brendan Kearney.
Grown-ups and children will be relieved not to be harangued, or preached at as they follow the story of Finn and Skip, with its ups and downs, and including all the different animals that Finn meets in the rainforest. They’ll also learn about how using ethical products can help save the animals. The light touch is reflected in the fun, and quirky, illustrations. I applaud it ‘s uplifting constructive message about protecting the world around us.
Brendan Kearney is a children’s book illustrator and author represented by Plum Pudding Illustration agency. His first picture book Musical Mac was published in 2019. He is also the illustrator of the popular Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast book series written by Josh Funk.