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Paper Chase by Julia Donaldson ill. Victoria Sandøy

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 2 Sep 2026

Publisher: Scholastic
ISBN: 9780702348709

“The simple, circular tale is both a generous explanation of how humans consume natural resources and a subtle reminder that these are gifts to be respected. An author’s note emphasizes that ‘trees are precious’ and encourages youngsters to recycle this very book should it eventually fall apart. Perfectly satisfying.” KIRKUS

We didn’t list this when it was published in hardback last year. Not sure why but I can only imagine it was because we felt a new book from Julia Donaldson needed no extra recommending from us. Nevertheless, we’re pleased that the release of the paperback gives us the opportunity to correct that omission. As you can see below, the illustrations and the panelled layout are very pleasing. And Donaldson’s rhyming rhythms are as perfect as ever.

A captivating paper chase, and an unforgettable adventure…Two children meet under a tall tree. James has a book. Ginger has a paper plane. They become friends…but then they’re parted. Will they ever meet again? 

But this isn’t just James and Ginger’s story: it’s a paper chase!

Much-loved storyteller Julia Donaldson weaves the children’s tale of friendship into the amazing story of how paper is made.

With perfect, read-aloud rhymes and glowing illustrations by Victoria Sandøy, this is a story of friendship and adventure like no other.

Victoria Sandøy is a Norwegian illustrator based in Oslo. She studied illustration in the UK, graduating with a first-class degree from Falmouth University. You can follow her on

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Victoria Sandøy (@victoriasand)

 

The Turtle Who Turned the Tide by Rachel Bright ill. Jim Field

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 28 May 2026

Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group
ISBN: 9781408366448 (hb)
ISBN: 9781408366455 (pk)

See also:
The Pandas Who Promised [ACHUKA Book of the Day 30 Oct 2023]
The Gecko And The Echo [ACHUKA Book of the Day 6 Feb 2023]
The Whale Who Wanted More [ACHUKA Book of the Day 4 May 2021]
The Way Home For Wolf
The Squirrels Who Squabbled

“Another triumph from this team!” ThroughTheBookshelf

Last year’s hardback from Rachel Bright and Jim Field is now out in paperback.

A heartwarming tale of adventure, bravery and one baby turtle who changes her world for good.

On a midnight-black beach, it’s time for a GRAND HATCHING. A rowdy crowd of animal onlookers have gathered to see which baby turtle will win the great race to safety in the sea.

But when Tula’s brother loses his way, this baby turtle faces a difficult choice: will she choose to win the race or will she turn back to rescue her brother? And will the other animals stay on the sidelines, or will Tula’s brave decision inspire them to join the rescue mission?

An inspiring and funny rhyming story of how we ALL have the power to change things for the better.

Hear how the collaboration between writer and artist has developed (you will also find links to Rachel’s and Jim’s Instagram feeds in this post):

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Hugendubel – Die Welt der Kinder (@hugendubel_kids)

Bunnies in a Rocket by Philip Ardagh ill. Ben Mantle

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 26 May 2026

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781529517446

See also:
Bunnies in a Sleigh [ACHUKA Book of the Day 3 Nov 2023]
Bunnies on the Bus [ACHUKA Book of the Day 18 Mar 2020]
and Bunnies in a Boat.

These bunnies have been on a bus, in a boat, on Santa’s sleigh and now, in their most epic journey of all, the Sunny Town Bunnies are going to the moon. (Rhyming text as previously.)

They’ve snuck their way onto a rocket ready to launch, and in no time at all they are streaking across the sky, through the atmosphere, and into outer space. What happens when they reach the moon? And how will they ever get back home again?

It’s one small step for a human but one giant leap for Bunnykind.

Presumably, Bunnies on a Train, Bunnies on a Plane, Bunnies on a Magic Carpet to follow.

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A post shared by Philip Ardagh (@philipardagh)

Follow the illustrator there too:
https://www.instagram.com/benmantle_illustration/

Where is Pierre? by Emma Clarke

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 22 May 2026

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN: 9781526687210

“Irresistible search-and-find fun.” The Bookseller
“Clarke’s irrepressible rhymes and cheery, rotund animals add joy, even though the urgency increases (as does the furrow in Bear’s brow) every time Bear asks, “Where IS Pierre?” Storytime crowds will wonder—and shout—the same. Endpapers depicting Pierre in a series of different getups add to the merriment. A rollicking read-aloud full of inquisitive fun.” KIRKUS

It’s Bear’s birthday and he can’t wait to spend it with his best friend Pierre.
There’s just one little problem . . .

WHERE IS PIERRE?!


With one missing penguin and a whole lot of chaos, this hilarious search-and-find adventure will have kids giggling, guessing, and shouting “THERE HE IS!” on every page.

Featuring sweet and stylish illustrations by talented newcomer Emma Clarke, Where Is Pierre? is the perfect picture book for curious little detectives, birthday enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good game of hide-and-seek.

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A post shared by Emma Clarke (@emmaclarkeillustration)

 

The Ice Cream Crocodile by Mariesa Dulak ill. Rebecca Cobb

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 11 May 2026

Publisher: Faber & Faber
ISBN: 9780571368389

The rhyming and rhythm are spot-on in this winning story about a crocodile who will not be sidelined.

Elvis loves the circus life –
The thrills, the skills, the treats,
The wide-eyed crowds that cheer out loud,
The rows of polished seats.

BUT . . . Sidney, the ringmaster, only lets fluffy and feathery animals perform on stage. Can Elvis the crocodile show his STAR potential?

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Follow the illustrator there too:

The Magic Feather by Julia Donaldson ill. Catherine Rayner

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 18 Mar 2026

Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 9781035066704

A rhyming fairy-tale adventure about the magic of nature and caring for our environment from the Number One bestselling Julia Donaldson, author of The Gruffalo, and Catherine Rayner, winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for Illustration.

Imagine if you could speak to birds . . . that’s just what happens to one young girl when she is given a magic feather that transforms their trills and twitters into words – and she discovers that they need her help! Join her as she embarks on an amazing journey across the sea to save their nests from the queen’s woodcutters.

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A post shared by Catherine Rayner (@catherine.rayner)

Am I Yours? by Alex Latimer

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 20 Jan 2026

Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9781382080279

“As cozy and safe as it is mannerly, with a patterned text well suited to storytime sharing with younger audiences.” KIRKUS
“Latimer’s illustrations are bright and eye-catching. The text is rhythmic and rhyming and reads well aloud. Children will enjoy joining in with the repeated refrain ‘What do you look like inside that shell? / I can’t see in so I can’t tell’. Perfect for sharing with children aged 2 to 6.” The English Association

See also:
Frank Is A Butterfly [ACHUKA Book of the Day 11 Aug 2025]
Gordon Wins It All [ACHUKA Book of the Day 7 Jul 2025]
Gordon The Meanest Goose On Earth [ACHUKA Book of the Day 19 Aug 2024]
Godfrey Is A Frog [ACHUKA Book of the Day 4 Jul 2024]
The Duck Never Blinks [ACHUKA Book of the Day  28 Jul 2023]

A new edition and a new cover for one of Alex Latimer’s best-loved  picture books which was first published in 2018.

‘Excuse me, please, but am I yours? I’m sure I am a dinosaur’s!’

When an icy wind pushes an egg from its nest, five friendly dinosaurs must get it home before dark. But who does the lost egg belong to? And will they figure it out in time?

Alex is a South African writer and illustrator based in Cape Town.

You can follow him on

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Alex Latimer – Author and Illustrator (@alexlatimer.author)

Marching Band by Kael Tudor ill. Kate Hindley

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 10 Jul 2025

Waterstones
Bookshop

“Upbeat couplets from Tudor describe the wide-ranging adventures of a ragtag marching band in this cheering picture book that features an ample wind-down… Hindley’s fully realized cartoons draw out the conceit’s humor via googly-eyed characters who lug their myriad instruments across snow and stars alike. It’s a raucous jaunt that yields fresh reasons for appreciation across repeated reads.” Publishers Weekly

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Kael Tudor (@kaeltudor)

Who wants to join the marching band? EVERYONE is welcome in this energetic, anarchic rhyming adventure .

This band gets bigger and louder on every page. Watch out for wrecking balls on the building site, tigers roaring in the jungle and yetis on the mountain. Everyone wants to join the fun . . . even aliens in outer space. Then it’s time to zoom back home, wishing everyone goodnight, one by one.

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A post shared by Kate Hindley (@hindleyillos)

Kerfuffle Bird by Helen Docherty ill. Gwen Millward

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 6 Jun 2025

Waterstones
Bookshop

ACHUKA tends to avoid recommending books with overt messages but this rhyming picture book exhortation to “Let those BIG feelings out!” is a perfect mix of visual and verbal humour.

The Hushlings are always quiet and polite, and that’s the way they like it. Except for Maeve who longs to let some of her Big Feelings out!

When the noisy Kerfuffle Bird arrives, Maeve is overjoyed to have someone to whoop and shriek with. But when Kerfuffle Bird’s squawking and flapping, warbling and wild jigs become too much for the Hushlings, they discover the importance of expressing their feelings. Can they find a way for Maeve and Kerfuffle Bird to live in harmony with the community in Hushville?

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And you can also follow the book’s author:

Jenny Peckles Lays Eggs With Speckles by Rachel Emily ill. Paul Delaney

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 11 Apr 2025

Waterstones
Bookshop

If I say that this picture book would make a great tool for introducing children to metafiction, don’t let that put you off — it’s great fun.

But what starts out as a lighthearted, rhyming array of differently coloured and patterned eggs (and the hens that have laid them) quickly becomes something less expected when Sally McSquawk is admonished for making up her rhyme and claiming her eggs can talk.

Did anyone else fib about their eggs so that they can be in the book? the author demands.

They all confess that they did.

So you’re just a bunch of plain old chooks?
Well, plain old hooks don’t make good books.
I’m very disappointed in…

But when Sally McSquawk calls out the alarm when there is danger above, having found a new rhyming word, “HAWK!”, the others all jump to action in such creatively rhyming ways that the narrator is forced to apologise.

What you just did — that was SO cool.
The way you . . .  I never — I mean . . . 
Someone should write a book about you!

You can follow the author on

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Remily (@remilyetc)

Paul Delaney, the illustrator, is on too:

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Paul Delaney (@pauldelaney.illustration)