Amy's book of the year part 1, Wonder by R.J. Palacio

ISBN: 978-0552565974 (paperback)

Suggested age range: secondary

Synopsis: 'My name is August. I wont describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.' The story of Auggie, a disfigured boy and his first experiences at real school.

This book hasn't been in my house since I got it back in May, because I keep insisting everyone I know reads it! It is very sad in places but the ending is a happy one (for adults I don't insist on this but I think it's sensible to protect children and young teenagers). The main character Auggie is an absolute hero and the story really makes you think about how you treat people, and how cruel children can be. I vowed to bring my little girl up to be kind and caring to people regardless of how they look or the clothes they wear.

review: Goldilocks and just the one bear by Leigh Hodgkinson

 

ISBN: 978-0857630445 (paperback)

Suggested age range: preschool-primary

Synopsis: In this modern version our friend the bear wanders into a big city and struggles to find some good porridge and a comfy bed with hilarious consequences.

Why we love it: The illustrations have a lovely collage quality, the pages are really busy with lots of things to talk about and some little extras not mentioned in the story. It's funnier if you know the original story, so we'd recommend you tell your little one both.

Illustrative style: quirky, modern, funny. The author also had fun playing with handdrawn type which looks great!

Available from Waterstones.

review: The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers

 

ISBN: 978-0007182343 (paperback)

Suggested age range: preschool-primary

Synopsis: When a little girl loses someone close to her, she bottles up her feelings and falls out of love with the world. In time she grows up and it takes a special little person to help her rekindle that romance with life.

Why we love it: We're huge Jeffers fans here at Zomace, his illustrative style varies from beautifully evocative and detailed to simple and iconic. His stories span the full range of human emotions, a true talent in children's writing. This book is about as sad as a book suitable for young children could be but the ending is beautiful and happy.

Illustrative style: modern, timeless, beautiful. There is so much to look at on every page we're sure that children will get more from this book every time they pick it up.

Bonus: yes there's an app, but we wont get into that debate (yet!). If you're interested in your child growing up bilingual, you could try the Spanish version!

Available from The Book Depository.

review: Guess how much I love you? by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram

 

ISBN: 978-1406319262 (board book)

Suggested age range: baby-primary

Synopsis: Tying his hardest to explain how he loves big nutbrown hare the most, competing with the superlative love of his daddy is tough for little nutbrown hare.

Why we love it: It's a keeper, more than 15 years old the story is simple and classic. The last page brings a lump to my throat every time. Perfect for a whispered bedtime cuddle.

Illustrative style: timeless, pretty, adorable!

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