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Books of the Month: October

With December just around the corner, October feels like a rather distant memory, however as both October and November are incredibly busy months in our house full of birthdays and lots of excitement, we hadn't quite got round to sharing our favourite reads of last month until now so here goes...


Picture Book of the Month


First up is our picture book choice, Shark in the Park! by the wonderful Nick Sharratt. This is by no means a new book, it was first published in 2000, but it is new to us and it just had to be our picture book choice for October - there really was no contest! During the half term holidays we had the pleasure of meeting Nick Sharratt at one of his free Draw-A-Long sessions at Leeds Central Library. Each of the Mini Reviewers chose a new book from the shop to get signed by Nick and Theo picked Shark in the Park! We all had great fun drawing with Nick and listening to some of his stories. While at the library we also had a look around the "hands on" exhibition Pirates, Pants and Wellyphants, which celebrates Nick's work. The exhibition runs in Leeds until 25th November 2018, you can find out more information here.








If you are unfamiliar with Shark in the Park! it is about a little boy called Timothy Pope, who has a new telescope. The story follows Timothy around the park and each time he looks through his telescope, he thinks he sees a shark. Could there really be a shark in the park? Well that would be telling but what we will say this is such a great book to read aloud, the repetition makes it perfect for even really young children to join in with and the cut away holes add an extra element of fun. We recommend making your own telescope so you can have even more fun with Timothy Pope!



Non Fiction Book of the Month


Our second book choice for October is How to Help a Hedgehog and Protect a Polar Bear, a fabulous non fiction book written by Jess French, a zoologist, naturalist, entomologist, author and vet. However, the Mini Reviewers best know her as the presenter of CBeebies' Minibeast Adventure with Jess! How to Help a Hedgehog and Protect a Polar Bear, which has been published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust, has also been beautifully illustrated by Angela Keoghan. 

The book contains lots of really interesting information about the World's major habitats and the wildlife found in each one. But what we really like is the strong emphasis on saving the environment with it offering 70 simple planet saving tips. The ideas in the book go to show that even little things, such as planting bee friendly flowers in our own gardens, can make a big difference to the future of our planet. We highly recommend this as one of the most engaging and relevant non fiction books we have come across!


Chapter Book of the Month


Our final book choice for October is The Truth Pixie by Matt Haig. We are cheating slightly as it isn't  really a Chapter Book but a fantastic longer rhyming tale for children. Mini Reviewer, Izzie (7) and I read this together in one sitting, which we really recommend! 

The Truth Fairy can only tell the truth, no matter what! At the beginning of the story she is very upset as her truths often hurt others but by the time the story ends, with the help of a new friend, she has learned to love herself. The book has been illustrated throughout by Chris Mould and the whimsical pictures really bring Haig's imaginatively wacky characters to life. This rhyming tale is a brilliant reminder for young people going through difficult times or suffering from anxiety that things will get better and sometimes we have to feel sad to appreciate the happy times. A really great book!




We hope you enjoyed our selection. Until next time HAPPY READING!

Kate & the Mini Reviewers xx

Disclaimer: All opinions are our own and please note that this post contains Amazon affiliate links. You can find out more about the Amazon Affiliate Scheme here.

6 comments:

  1. I really want to get The Truth Pixie!!! Lovely choices, thanks for share with #readwithme

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  2. These look a nice selection and that session at the library looks a lot of fun #readwithme

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  3. I'm reminded of the Nick Sharrat display at a museum. I'd considered taking the girls to see it but other things popped up and I think they may get more out of it when they can read. #KLTR

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  4. I would have loved to make it there. There is such a nice selection for the kids nowadays too!

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  5. The draw-a-long session at Leeds library looks fantastic! My children would definitely love that - I hope they do something like that local to us #KLTR

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