Some books to enjoy this spring by Sue Steel from Simply Books
Hello again from simply books! Choosing my picks for this issue has been great fun. With winter behind us I've been busy searching out and finding lots of new and exciting books to stock the shelves at the shop. I never buy a picture book that I haven't seen and touched first and I really enjoy sharing my ‘finds ‘with you. So here goes ....
We all know the importance of that bedtime cuddly and in ‘Where's Tim's Ted? It's Time for Bed', yes you've guessed - it's missing! Tim can't sleep without his ted so off he goes on a torch-lit midnight adventure within the comforting surroundings of his grandparents' farm. This new picture book from Ian Whybrow, the author of Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs, is just perfect for reading aloud with its rhyming rhythmic text.
Still on a farm theme ... ‘One More Sheep' by Mij Kelly and illustrated by Russell Ayto tells the story of Sam the farmer who has to count his ten sheep in for the night so he knows they're safe from the wolf but never quite manages it before he's dropped off! With feisty sheep and a wolf on the prowl this story has terrific panache. It's hilarious, gloriously illustrated and a fantastic counting book too.
As way of contrast my next pick is Lauren Child's latest story ‘Maude' The Not-So-Noticeable Shrimpton, which is now out in paperback. Being noticed is what all the members of the Shrimpton family live for - except for Maude (the middle child). She prefers to blend into the background and this is very much to her advantage when they all come face to face with a rather hungry tiger... This sophisticated cautionary tale is brought to life by Trisha Krauss who cleverly uses visual clues and innuendo to embellish the tale of Maude and her flamboyant and eccentric family.
And finally, my pick for adults is ‘Instructions for a Heatwave' by Maggie O'Farrell. Set in the blistering summer of 1976 it tells the story of an Irish family in crisis. Gretta's husband slips out to the shops and never comes back. The search for Robert exposes all kinds of secrets and skeletons.... This is a wonderfully layered story that I absolutely love. In fact I love it so much that I want to share it with everyone - so if you buy a copy from us we'll treat you to a complimentary drink in our cafe. As you read this we will have just celebrated World Book Day 2013. Children will have received a £1 World Book Day Token (a gift from us booksellers) which can be redeemed for any of the special World Book Day titles from top writers and illustrators or put towards the cost of another book. There is a really good selection this year and we have all the books in the shop so do come and have a look. Every child can have a book - isn't that fantastic? Or why not use your voucher towards one of my picks! We have a valet parking service, activity tables and a special menu for children in our café and you can be sure of a very warm welcome. You can also order books from us - just email us through our website.
See you soon! SueI
Simply Books, 288 Moss Lane, Bramhall.
For more information go to www.simplybooks.info or call 0161 439 1436