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Category: Featured illustrators

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When a bouncy little squirrel named Hazel loses her tail, her dad decides to make her a new one. But first he has to venture out into the dark dangerous night to gather everything he needs... 

Hazel climbed so high, she thought she could touch the clouds. As her tummy started rumbling she knew it was time to go home. But a branch had broken and then disaster struck. Why did some animals think she looked like a hamster!

Inspired by a bedtime story originally created by the author to comfort his daughter, who underwent a series of operations when she was very small. This vibrant picture book celebrates both the extraordinary strength of children as they face life’s challenges, and the tireless devotion of their parents. With a touching father-daughter relationship at its heart, the story takes place in the Great Forest, a magical world teeming with colourful creatures and dazzling lollipop trees, beautifully brought to life by illustrator Alex Beeching.

The Squirrel's Tail  is a truly beautiful book in hardback with delightful illustrations. Hazel immediately makes you feel she is the animal image of your own child, finding ways to comfort and support at times of need are so important. Even a crisis of losing the most beautiful part of her body for Hazel can be overcome.

Publication date is 15th October 2021 and to buy go direct to The Squirrel's Tail  

The author is Julian Reisz, an Anglo-French father of three now living in Sweden. His daughter was very tiny when she was diagnosed with hip problems resulting in major surgery, traumatic in the extreme. The Squirrel’s Tail was the story they shared together and created by Julian, at that difficult time.

Watch the amazing video above to show the real life Hazel, aged 11. An incredible good news story to bring you joy and to help other children and families too,

I love this book and I highly recommend it for reading aloud with young children, and also as an 'early reader' for children around 4-6 years. I am now taking the book to a little girl, who is very important to me, and we will sit and read and think, which is perfect!

Sue Martin

 

 

 

 

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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If you have ever felt so shy that you couldn’t even walk into the classroom or go and talk to new friends, you will totally understand how Nook feels. She is small and shy, and she likes to sit in the comfy space of a hollow tree. It was her favourite space, and she could lean back into the hollow and feel very space. Her friends would try and coax her out, but she just stayed there. 

But one day that all changed  as Badger had taken her place.

Nook's friends stood beside her and helped her to move away and start to play with them. From then on Nook would join in all the games and her space in the hollow tree would be empty as Nook chose not to sit there.

Nook is a gentle story which explores shyness and sensory needs,  inspiring kindness, inclusion and friendship. It is a beautiful story and a great book to have in a nursery at Early Years Settings, school and home.

Written and illustrated by Sally Anne Garland who grew up in the Highlands of Scotland and even at the age of four was good at drawing. Sally went on to study Illustration and Graphic Design at Edinburgh College of Art. She now lives in Glasgow with her partner and her son. Nook was inspired by a hollow tree at her son’s school, a place of quiet thinking and feeling safe.

SunBird Books are the publishers who have innovative and original books for children. From board books to storybooks (and everything in between!). Titles represent strong, lively, and diverse voices that reflect children’s realities and feed their imaginations while nurturing up-and-coming writers and illustrators from around the world. You can download excellent free Activity Sheets too.

There is a special feel about this beautiful hard back book and I would thoroughly recommend for children at home and in Early Years Settings.

Sue Martin


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Michelle grew up as a young child  on the south side of Chicago. She  worked hard at school  and from High School attended Princeton University, where she became one of their finest graduates. From Princeton she went on to Harvard, and graduated in law.

We know Michelle Obama as a very famous First Lady of the United States from 2009-2017, in fact the first African American woman to ever serve in this position, being married to Barack Obama. Michelle  wasn’t just a good lawyer, she worked with not-for-profit organisations. She now campaigns for poverty awareness, education, health and many things which prevent people being able to be the best they can be.

Little People, Big Dreams captures the heart of Michelle as a person who follows her beliefs and work tirelessly to support and help those who cannot. Equality is at the core of what Michelle does.

If you already have a collection of Little People, Big Dreams, this book of Michelle Obama will be the perfect addition. If you are just getting started on Little People, Big Dreams,  there is no better place  to start.

Written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Mia Saine, this is an amazing series of books about people, about people who started small but had big dreams for the future. It makes a perfect series for any school library and for home too.

Publishers are Francis Lincoln, part of the Quarto Knows, and they have the way of creating books where you can dive straight in and stay immersed for a long time! This empowering book features stylish and quirky images with extra facts at the back plus a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the inspiring woman’s life.

My review copy is going straight to a small school nearby, which have a whole shelf of Little People, Big Dreams.

Sue Martin

 

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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'Then one morning, someone new arrived. It was an elephant.’

An enchanting story about Humperdink, the elephant  joining in with all the fun at playgroup. He tries hide and seek, but that is tricky, he tries the slide, but he broke that. But he was so much fun at the stomping and stamping game outside.

With a little patience and understanding the children soon discover that Humperdink is good at some things–especially if they use their imaginations–leading to a riotously fun conclusion.

A delightful picture book with endearing artwork and a humorous story to engage young readers and help them gain an understanding about those different from themselves. This title helps children learn the key skill of playing with and accepting new friends, whatever their size, shape... or species! Exploring themes of empathy and imaginative play, this title is a must-have for young readers seeking to understand the world around them.

Sean Taylor  is the author and he is an award-winning author of over 50 books for young readers of many different ages. As well as writing, he has many years’ experience visiting schools, where he works with poetry and storytelling to encourage young people to write themselves. He lives with his wife and two sons in Bristol.

Claire Alexander is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator based in London. She is the illustrator of Humperdink Our Elephant Friend and The Snowbear and the author–illustrator of A Little Bit Different, Back to Front and Upside Down, That’s When I Knew, Millie Shares, and Monkey and the Little One. Claire earned a BA in painting from the Kent Institute of Art and Design and studied children’s illustration at Putney School of Art and Design. Claire teaches her own course on writing and illustrating picture books in local libraries, bookshops, and at the House of Illustration in London. She regularly visits schools and enjoys drawing for children.

Words and Pictures, part of Quarto Kids are the publishers and Humperdinck is another excellent book in their book lists.

At the end of the book, Humperdink makes a sign for all the children to climb on his back. It has a really good feeling about the book and is a great way to show that we can be friends with everyone, whatever their skills and interests.

I’m off to try and find an elephant just like Humperdink on this wet English day!

Sue Martin


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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What is daddy going to do? - cover image
Can your Dad fly to the moon...

Can your Dad fly to the moon or  build a pirate ship with a cardboard box?

This Flap Flap book is full of wonderful ideas and illustrations about just what the best Dad’s in the world can do.

It is  just right for all young children who love to turn the flaps in  books and find further pages and adventures. In What is Daddy going to do? … you can explore imaginative and incredible ideas for Dad’s all over.

Dads, as Mum’s too, are often busy and have lots to do, but they have fun too! Look at what Daddy is doing or wearing and see if you can guess what he's about to do! Open the flap on each spread to discover the answer in a delightful, colourful scene.

With sturdy flaps to aid hand-eye co-ordination and a question on each page to prompt conversation between parent and child, this bright, engaging board book is the perfect exploration of the activities that make up a parent and toddler’s day.

Carly Madden is the author and she loves making books that spark curiosity and imagination. She lives in Essex, England, with her husband and two children, and is most often found in the forest.

page image from the book
Lovely, engaging images...

Juliana Perdomo is a Colombian illustrator in love with life, nature, people, and colours! Her work is great for young children, being clear and visual with a happy and  feel, with a Latin touch. She loves to create joyful, heartfelt stories, and illustrations based on her own memories and everyday inspiration.

Words and Pictures, part of Quarto Knows produce some of the best children’s books which support learning and enable young children to enter different worlds, all with the turning of a page.

The title in this book says it all! So many times young children just ask that exact question... What is Daddy Going to do?

Sue Martin

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Freddie and the High Flying Kick - cover image
Delightful graphics, great storytelling...

How to see the world from  a different point of view. How it feels to never be included in the games and fun activities because you are in a wheelchair of have to use a frame.

This is  a special book about disability and shows the absolute understanding of how difficult life becomes when you can’t take part in activities where other children are having fun .

Sometimes its hard to be involved and easier just to walk away rather than help.

Freddie and the High Flying Kick is a story which shows how the power of working together with a group of children cam make all the difference. Freddie is helped by the Super-siblings, who at first find it hard to know what to do. But they do take the giant step and help Freddie who just needs someone to help his balance as he kicks the football so high.

Zoe Wanamaker has reviewed the book and says, 'This is charming, delightful and fun. A lesson in care for others. The pictures and verse make it a joy to read!'

Freddie and the High Flying Kick is available on Amazon and  is written by Adelle Spindlove with illustrations by Claire S. Bicknell and would be well placed in schools and early years settings as well as in the home.

Sue Martin


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Shu Lin's Grandpa - cover image
'...such a beautiful book...'

Such a beautiful book with a powerful story. 

Shu Lin, a Chinese immigrant girl, finds it hard to gain acceptance in her new school, until her grandpa saves the day.

Shu Lin has just started at a new school. She stands alone in the playground and at lunchtime she eats by herself from little boxes of brightly coloured food. 

But when Shu Lin’s grandpa comes to school and shows the class his amazing Chinese paintings, everything changes….

With a stunning double-gate fold spread revealing a beautiful Chinese picture, this uplifting story shows the trans-formative power of art and imagination in developing cultural understanding and empathy.

'...sitting alone at lunch time?...'

Matt Goodfellow trained as a primary school teacher and still works part-time in schools in addition to his highly popular, high-energy performances and workshops. He is particularly concerned to write verse for children in a way which effortlessly combines learning, confidence and entertainment for young readers. He lives in Manchester

 Yu Rong is an acclaimed British-Chinese children’s picture book illustrator.  With a BA degree in Chinese Painting and Contemporary Art Design from Nanjing Normal University’s Art College and an MA degree in Communication and Design from London’s Royal College of Art, where she studied under Quentin Blake. Yu Rong lives in the countryside of Cambridge with her husband, Donkey, her three children, Caterpillar, Chilli Pepper and Bean, and their German Pointer, Captain Sniff.

This is a story for every child who has either stood on the side line or walked away  whilst others needed support. Fortunately Grandpa wins the day with unique Chinese style paintings which help others to see that Shu Lin can be their friend too.

Otter Barry Books are unique publisher of children's books, now standing out as promoting diversity.

Sue Martin

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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The Lost Child of Chernobyl - cover image
'An imaginary story with imaginary characters but inspired by a real event ...'

An imaginary story with imaginary characters but inspired by a real event  that affected the whole world.

On 26th April 1986 at Chernobyl in Ukraine a nuclear reactor exploded sending huge clouds of radio active dust into the atmosphere with devastating results, especially for the people of Chernobyl.

This powerful graphic novel is inspired by that nuclear explosion at the Chernobyl power station, and is published for the 35th anniversary of the disaster.

One April night, people living near Chernobyl see a bright light in the sky...Everyone is told to move out of the forbidden zone around the destroyed nuclear reactor, but two stubborn old ladies, Anna and Klara, refuse to leave.

Nine years later, the forest wolves bring a ragged child to their door - a child who has been living with wolves in the forbidden zone. Who is the lost child of Chernobyl and will Anna and Klara be able to find the child's family after all this time?

Inspired by the real events of the global environmental disaster at Chernobyl in April 1986, this haunting and deeply relevant graphic novel is about the place of humans in the natural world, about healing, survival and the meaning of home.

Helen Bate is the award-winning author of Peter in Peril, USBBY Outstanding International Book, and Me and Mrs Moon. The graphics in the story excellently portray the reality of the aftermath and provide thought provoking materials for discussion

Otter-Barry are the publishers of courageous and inspirational books for children. The Lost Child of Chernobyl is one of their best!

I shall treasure this book as a reminder of that time in 1986, when the cloud of dust even came as far as the East of England. with difficult consequences.

Sue Martin

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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Mermaid's Tail - cover image
Beautiful graphics...

'Theodore took the deepest breath he could and then he jumped in'.

Theodore had gone fishing and found the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. So he took Oceanne home and tried to keep her but she had to go back to the ocean. And so Theodore jumped in...

A beautiful story about a boy who just likes fishing and caught a tiny creature in a beautiful shell, but she just gets weaker and weaker. Until she is back in the ocean and released from her glass bowl when the other fish gather round to help this mermaid have a beautiful mermaid's tail.

A stunningly beautiful book, both the story and illustrations. Created by Beatrice Blue who is a freelance illustrator living in Montreal, Quebec, working in animation and children's picture books. She has an appealing technique and  Once Upon a Mermaid's Tail, follows Once Upon a Unicorn Horn as real signs of great talent.

Publishers are Frances Lincoln  Children's Books, part of Quarto Knows, a great portfolio of beautiful and  inspirational books for children.

I will keep this book close on my bookshelf and read to any young people who one day may come and visit.

 

Sue Martin

 


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.


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We were delighted to receive two great books from Sunbird Books and delighted to share them with our Dolphin Book Blog readers.  Sunbird Books is the home for innovative and original books for children. From board books to storybooks (and everything in between!), titles represent strong, lively, and diverse voices that reflect children’s realities and feed their imaginations while nurturing up-and-coming writers and illustrators from around the world.

Stuck Inside is written and illustrated by Sally Anne Garland and describes so perfectly this last year through a lockdown winter of being inside at home, when the weather is just too bad to be in the outside. Tilly, the girl and Toby, the dog, share ideas about what to do and create exciting adventures in their imaginations.

Sally Ann Garland grew up in the Highlands of Scotland and after studying illustration and graphic design at Edinburgh College of Art and now lives in Glasgow.

It’s Her Story: Marie Curie is a wonderful Graphic Novel about this trailblazing scientist who discovered radium and set out the term, radioactivity. She was the only woman to have been awarded two Nobel Prizes, for physics and chemistry. As part of a new series; It’s Her Story, the book is in hard back and a handy size with just enough information for ages 6-9 or for anyone interested in this major achievement.

Kaara Kallen is the author , and Rosie Baker the illustrator and  they both capture the achievements that Marie made in the early 1900's

Two great books, we hope you enjoy reading them  and purchase a Sunbird Book, we know they are great publishers of children’s books.

Sue Martin


Dolphinbooksellers.co.uk is part of SmithMartin LLP

A retail resource for the best children's books, entry point into our children's and community library procurement and supply service. Offering a miscellany of news and featured authors for all our readers, whatever their age.