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.