children's & YA recommendations on the go
Follow Jane Foster on Instagram:
View this post on Instagram
There’s so much to discover together in the museum! Follow Brown Bear and his friends as they explore all of the different rooms – from the transport section to the art gallery. With vibrant artwork and charming animal characters, this new picture book series from Jane Foster introduces little ones to everyday adventures and the spirit of friendship.
See also Brown Bear Goes to London
Written in a gentle rhyme that reflects the slow pace of Mouse’s rambling journey, and illustrated in the inimitable style of Alice Melvin, this is a heart-warming celebration of slow living in nature.
The story follows Mouse, who first ventures out in wintry January to visit his friend Squirrel. Mouse moves on to wake up Hedgehog for the arrival of spring and as he continues along the path in the wood, Mouse’s journey from friend to friend maps out the changes in seasons from January through to December, from picnicking among the bluebells with Mole in May and picking berries with Dormouse in June, to taking refuge in Fox’s cozy caravan as winter draws in.
Follow Alice Melvin on Instagram, where shop posts lots of colourful pages from her sketchbooks:
View this post on Instagram
This rhyming bedtime story follows a little girl’s flight of fancy as she imagines the advantages and disadvantages of having a kangaroo as a pet. Being an ace on the basketball court is a breeze, but hold on to your stomach during the school run – it’s pretty bumpy being bounced around in a pouch!
If I had an octopus (by the same team) was an ACHUKA Book of the Day in April 2021.
Follow Alex Barrow on Instagram:
View this post on Instagram
“An impish adventure.” KIRKUS
“Haughton’s digital illustrations, with their blocks of saturated colour, are perfect for group sharing. Deep pink, magenta, purple, and blue tree silhouettes are set against a vibrant red sky; the wide-eyed blue monkeys pop off the page, focusing viewers’ attention on their actions and expressions. Haughton’s skilled use of color, composition, and page-turns heightens the drama.” Horn Book
Published in paperback last month (in hardback last year) and picked as the overall winner of Oscar’s Book Prize 2022.
A funny, suspenseful and keenly observed cautionary tale about pushing boundaries and indulging your more mischievous, cheeky side (when nobody is looking).
Three little monkeys, and their big monkey, are sat high up on their branch in the forest canopy. “Ok, monkeys! I’m off,” says the big monkey.
“Now remember. Whatever you do, do NOT go down to the mango tree. There are tigers down there.”
Mmm … mangos! think the little monkeys. They LOVE mangos. Hmm … maybe … maybe they could just look at the mangos? That’d be ok, right?
“Denise’s accomplished digital illustrations—many of which are full bleeds—often use a warm sepia palette that evokes a feeling of antiquity, and some spreads feature a pleasing play of chiaroscuro that creates suspense and drama. A charming blend of whimsy and medieval heroism highlighting the triumph of brains over brawn.” KIRKUS
“Through delicately conveyed firelight, deep shadows, and even an imagined tapestry, Denise provides this cracking tale with illustrations that feel like fully fleshed animated classics as Owl’s actions subvert a traditional conflict story line.” Publishers Weekly
Since the day he hatched, Owl dreamed of becoming a real knight. He may not be the biggest or the strongest, but his sharp nocturnal instincts can help protect the castle, especially since many knights have recently gone missing. While holding guard during Knight Night Watch, Owl is faced with the ultimate trial-a frightening intruder. It’s a daunting duel by any measure. But what Owl lacks in size, he makes up for in good ideas.
Full of wordplay and optimism, this surprising display of bravery proves that cleverness (and friendship) can rule over brawn.
Follow Christopher Denise on Instagram:
View this post on Instagram
“A witty, wordless escapade. Di Giorgio perfectly captures the dizzy, bright joy of being at the funfair, exquisitely portrayed through the animals’ movement and expressions: a remarkable feat in and of itself. Children will love to return to the evening’s dreamy sense of mystery and fun, and enjoy spotting recurring animals and humorous moments that occur throughout.” BfK 5-star review
“This book is an utter joy. One of those titles that lives up to, and then proceeds to exceed, the hype. Heck, I’ll say it. One of the best wordless books I’ve ever read. Full stop. Period.” Betsy Bird
A spectacular, surreal and cinematic wordless picture book about the secret life of animals.
Far from the city, but not quite in the countryside, lies a fairground. When night falls, and the fair is empty, something unexpected happens. Wild animals emerge from the trees, a brave raccoon pulls a lever, and the rollercoasters and rides explode back into bright, neon life. Now it’s time for the woodland creatures to have some fun…
This is the paperback edition. The hardback (currently unavailable) was published in 2020.
Follow the illustrator on Instagram:
View this post on Instagram
An uplifting picture book celebrating the wildness in all of us, and the beauty of the world all around us. Prepare for a heart-lifting journey through the beauties of nature: from pine forests to awe-inspiring mountains, and from sparkling seas to starry skies—each page is full of wonders. Fly across oceans, run with wolves through the mountain snow, dance with fireflies, and prepare to BE WILD!
With a lyrical text from debut author Olivia Hope, and stunning, immersive illustrations by Athens-based artist, Daniel Egneus, who has also illustrated The Friendship Bench, Tissa And The Blossom, Fox – A Circle of Life Story, Tibble And Grandpa and Lubna And Pebble
Follow the artist on Instagram:
View this post on Instagram
Suddenly I heard an EEK, a TAP TAP on the pane.
A tiny little monkey face was peering through the rain.
I’m sure my mom won’t mind, I thought. He’s really very small.
One tiny pygmy marmoset could do no harm at all. . .
When a little boy lets a monkey in through his window, he doesn’t expect it to bring all its friends! But when he is followed by six red-handed howlers, six macaques, ten capuchins and two great big baboons there’s going to be trouble! Surely mum will notice the banana skins, the toothpaste, the handprints on the walls . . . Will he ever get to bed with all this monkeying around?
Hilarious rhyming text and expressive illustrations make for the perfect bedtime read!
Follow the illustrator on Instagram:
View this post on Instagram
A really impressive picture book debut that tells about animals who live in a city which is slowly but surely flooding. The flood comes gradually at first. All the animals ignore the obvious and go about their busy lives, preoccupied by their own problems. Eventually, the flood water reaches a height that they can no longer ignore and they have to work together to save their city. All the animals join together in a line and pull out the plug that is drowning the city.
Teaches a message not to let problems fester and that, with a little team work and community spirit, no problem is insurmountable.
Mariano Ilustrado was born in Madrid where she studied Illustration at the school of art, Arte 10. She has been a freelance illustrator since then, completing projects for a wide range of clients with some personal projects along the way. A few years after she finished her studies as an illustrator, she moved to Bath and studied Graphic Communication at Bath Spa University.
Flooded arose out of a project that was the overall winner at the World Illustration Awards in 2o20.
Follow the illustrator on Instagram:
View this post on Instagram
ACHUKA especially likes this page of sketches from the artist’s website.
The reign of HM Queen Elizabeth II has been long and eventful. Over the past 70 years, Great Britain has seen incredible changes in the ways we live, think and feel, shaped by the inspiring people who were born in Britain or arrived on its shores. As we approach the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, learn about the Queen’s life and 25 other amazing history-makers – from modern pioneers, leaders and scientists to writers, athletes and activists – in this beautifully illustrated special edition paperback. Each page spread is devoted to the tale of an incredible Briton, told by children’s book critic Imogen Russell Williams and brought to life by Sara Mulvanny’s vivid colour illustrations.
The book also features a gloriously illustrated timeline, showing key events from Queen Elizabeth’s long reign. Discover the life-changing events of the last 70 years, from the foundation of the NHS by Aneurin Bevan to the creation of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine by Sarah Gilbert. Learn about how amazing activists like Paul Stephenson and Malala Yousafzai fought hard for equal rights for all, and scientists like Stephen Hawking and Tim Berners-Lee made incredible advances that allowed us to know more about the universe, or communicate in a whole new way via the Internet. The diverse tales include key figures from all areas of British life — science, medicine, entertainment, sports, activism and more.
Follow Sara Mulvanny on Instagram:
View this post on Instagram