ACHUKAblog
“In a tightly crafted series of punchy, often heartbreaking poems, Mann’s brilliant, coruscating verse novel lays out the anatomy of Amber’s revolution, and the tentative first flowerings of hope and change.” GUARDIAN REVIEW
Run, Rebel is a trailblazing verse novel that thunders with rhythm, heart and soul – perfect for fans of Sarah Crossan, Elizabeth Acevedo and Rupi Kaur.
ACHUKA Book of the Day Fri 27 Mar 2020
Graphic novel adaptation of Newbery Medal-winning book. The reviews speak for themselves:
“Offers powerful visuals to an already-cherished narrative. A slam-dunk thrill” KIRKUS
“Impressive attention to detail, the powerful, dynamic illustrations fizz with energy…” BOOKTRUST
“With lively poems that use basketball as a metaphor for life, this mix of free verse, hip-hop, and powerful artwork will resonate with fans of the original book and inspire a new audience of nascent players, artists, and poets.” SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Edited by John Agard and Grace Nichols, this is a celebration of the Caribbean in over fifty poems.
“Vivid, buzzing with energy and great rhymes.” Guardian
“Steeped in sunlight … a magical collection.” Daily Telegraph
Full of the amazing sights, sounds, smells and rhythms of Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados and the Bahamas, this cornerstone anthology vividly evokes the childhood memories of thirteen poets (a Caribbean dozen!).
With over fifty poems, a profile of each poet, bibliographies, sumptuous illustrations and an easy-reference index, A Caribbean Dozen is a collection to be savoured for years to come.
The 12 poets featured are – Valerie Bloom, Faustin Charles, Telcine Turner, David Campbell, Opal Palmer Adisa, Marc Matthews, Dionne Brand, Pamela Mordecai, John Lyons, Frank Collymore, James Berry, Grace Nichols and John Agard.
ACHUKA Book of the Day Tue 10 Mar 2020
This book is a truly MUST-HAVE for anyone spending time with young children. And forget the book’s blurb that mentions “toddlers and babies”, many of the sixteen original action rhymes inside will be appreciated by school-age children too.
The rhymes are infectiously rhythmic and each one is accompanied by LET’S PLAY guidance on suggested actions.
I wasn’t previously aware of Jane Newbery’s writing, although she has published two songbooks, and has a musical background, which explains the sure-footed cadence of the simple rhymes in this wonderful collection, so joyfully illustrated by Carolina Rabei, whose debut picture book (this one is her tenth) was Snow, an illustrated version of a Walter de la Mare poem.
When Bravest Warrior is refused as a suitor by beautiful Proud Girl his heart turns to anger. In revenge he makes Ice Man, who leads Proud Girl into great danger. But Wild Wolf, guardian spirit, is watching. Can he rescue Proud Girl and could pride and anger turn to forgiveness and love?
Inspired by and adapted from a traditional Algonquin tale, this powerful story, decorated with bold, brightly coloured paintings based on First Nation costume and beadwork, is by an internationally celebrated artist, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal.
Includes author notes on her discovery of this story and her research into Algonquin art, beadwork and needlework. The story has been checked and approved by an Algonquin storyteller and a donation from the sales will be made to the Katarokwi Grandmothers’ Council of Kingston, Ontario.
ACHUKA Book of the Day Fri 7 Feb 2020
A wittily illustrated anthology of poems, designed to be read aloud. 20 poems by the award winning Joseph Coelho arm children with techniques for lifting poetry off the page and performing with confidence.
The book includes an Introduction that encourages experimentation. “You can shout a poem intended to be whispered, read a group poem by yourself or add actions to tongue twisters.” Having said that, each poem title includes guidance on the most suitable style of delivery. “Start softly and finish LOUD. This is called crescendo.”
A big, hardback picture-book sized anthology made enticing and welcoming by Australian illustrator Daniel Gray-Barnett. Follow him on Instagram > https://instagram.com/dgraybarnett
Inspired by the dark imagination of Edward Gorey, Envious Siblings is a twisted and hauntingly funny debut. Comics artist Landis Blair interweaves absurdist horror and humour into brief, rhyming vignettes at once transgressive and hilarious. In Blair’s surreal universe, a lost child watches as bewhiskered monsters gobble up her fellow train passengers; a band of children merrily play a gut-churning game with playground toys; and two sisters, grinning madly, tear each other apart. These charmingly perverse creations take ordinary settings-a living room, a subway car, a playground-and spin them in a nightmarish direction.
“Cannibalism, gruesome death and the mistreatment of minors abound in this book, all illustrated in obsessively cross-hatched detail. The Envious Siblings won’t be to every young person’s taste, but those of a darker bent may find it grotesquely appealing, like a jack-o’-lantern that’s just started to rot.” FT
Never before published in a standalone volume, Beatrix Potters’ delightfully dark adaptation of the original fairy tale is perfectly complemented by the light and shade of Helen Oxenbury’s magical pictures. A rediscovered gem from the illustrious Potter archive.
“This being Potter, she makes it even darker than the original; the wolf, drawn as a sly old dandy by Oxenbury, will make little bones shake.” Alex O’Connell, THE TIMES
Sunday Times Children’s Book Of The Week 6 Oct 2019
The Secret of the Tattered Shoes is a fresh interpretation of the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tale about twelve princesses who are locked in at night, yet whose dancing shoes are still worn down by morning. A young soldier is tasked to discover their night-time adventures. But unlike the story told by the Brothers Grimm, this soldier seeks a different ending. Jackie’s dark and poetic text updates this well-known tale and shows how stories evolve and adapt over time.
Beautifully illustrated by Ehsan Abdollahi, who has created stunning puppet-like illustrations in rich and delicate detail.
Retelling of a fable from the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of animal fables dated to 300 BCE.
An unlikely friendship between a monkey and a crocodile forms when the pair meet under the great plum tree, deep in the heart of India. Mr Magarmach is old and his hunting days are over but Miss Bandari loves hearing his stories as they munch plums together. One day their friendship is tested but with courage, trust and forgiveness they discover that living happily together tastes just as sweet as Miss Bandari’s golden plums.