by Smriti Halls and illustrated by David Litchfield
Rain before rainbows. Clouds before sun. Night before daybreak. A new day’s begun.
A girl and her companion fox travel together from a place of loss and despair, through uncertain times, towards the hope of colour, light and life. Along the way, they find friends to guide and support them. Together, they build a glorious future and discover a way out of the darkness, into the light of the rainbow. A book with immense hope at its heart, this is a positive message for anyone who’s ever gone through a tough time.
Click here for our RainBeforeRainbows activity sheet!
If you'd like to watch some famous faces read the story, click below!
Stanley Tucci's reading for Save the Children.
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Regé-Jean Page's reading, star of the hit show Bridgerton, on CBeebies Bedtime Stories!
If you like to read David Litchfield's Guest Illustrator Post, click here!
Click hereto enter our RainBeforeRainbowscompetition!
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RainBeforeRainbows is now available to buy from all good booksellers in paperback - click here to pick up your copy today!
A new book from Jon Klassen, author-illustrator of I Want My Hat Back, is always a cause for excitement. Jon is back with a new deadpan Gem, The Rock From The Sky, a book that is sure to have you laughing and pondering simultaneously!
There is a spot.
It is a good spot.
It is the perfect spot to stand.
There is no reason to ever leave.
But somewhere above there is also a rock.
A rock from the sky!
Turtle really likes standing in his favourite spot. He likes it so much that he asks his friend Armadillo to come over and stand in it, too. But now that Armadillo is standing in that spot, he has a bad feeling about it.
A hilarious meditation on the workings of friendship, fate, shared futuristic visions, and that funny feeling you get that there's something off somewhere, but you just can't put your finger on it. Merging broad visual suspense with wry wit and existential silliness, Jon Klassen gives us a wholly original comedy for the ages.
Have fun with our The Rock From The Sky Activity Sheetshere:
Watch Jon talk about the inspirations behind The Rock From The Sky below:
The Rock From The Sky is available where all good books are sold!
We have a brilliant selection of picture books for you this month, from some cheeky curious monkeys to a beginner's guide to nanotechnology! Read all about our top picks of the month below!
Maybe...
by Chris Haughton
Three little monkeys, and their big monkey, are sat high up on their branch in the forest canopy. “Ok, monkeys! I’m off,"says the big monkey. “Now remember. Whatever you do, do NOT go down to the mango tree. There are tigers down there.” Mmm … mangos! think the little monkeys. They LOVE mangos. Hmm ... maybe … maybe they could just look at the mangos? That’d be ok, right?
Click here to download our Maybe... activity sheetsand watch ourtrailer below!
Penny and the Little Lost Puppy
by Emily Sutton
Moving home can feel a bit lonely, so Penny can’t believe her luck when she finds a new friend right in her garden: a puppy who wants to play all day long! But the next morning, Penny's playmate is nowhere to be seen ... wherever can she have gone? To find out, Penny and Dad will have to get to know their new town a little better. Perfect for any young dog fans!
Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small
by Dr Jess Wade and illustrated by Mellissa Castrillón
Everything is made from something – but the way we make things, from the materials we use to the science and technology involved, is changing fast. Nano offers a fascinating narrative introduction to this cutting-edge area of STEM, better known by the name "nanotechnology".
With words by Dr Jess Wade – a highly-skilled physicist and trailblazing campaigner for diversity in STEM fields – and beautiful, dynamic pictures by award-winning artist Melissa Castrillón, this is the perfect book for budding young scientists and engineers: a way of stepping beyond their school textbooks to fascinating "real-world" science.
My First Book of Birds
by ZoëIngram
Illustrated in a bright, contemporary style, this is a modern guide to the most common garden birds from the tiny goldcrest to the magnificent magpie, taking in such favourites as the robin, the wren, the sparrowhawk and the colourful starling. This information book for young children is packed with information and fun facts – everything you need to know to help you learn about and identify birds. With key facts about size, habitat, diet and population, there are detailed descriptions of each bird and tips to help you spot them in your own park or garden. There is even a special, "Did you know?" section on each bird, which all young ornithologists will love!
Not an Alphabet Book: The Case of the Missing Cake
by Eoin McLaughlin and illustrated by Marc Boutavant
This was meant to be a simple alphabet book but something has happened. Something horrible. The most terrible crime! The world’s most completely delicious, tongue-jinglingly, chocolaty cake has been … STOLEN!
As Bear travels from A to Z, visiting all sorts of characters, objects and extraordinary places along the way, can YOU help him search for the culprit? But, wait! Are those crumbs on Bear’s page? And are those Bear-shaped pawprints next to the empty cake stand? It seems our narrator might not be as reliable as we first thought...
Now out in paperback!
Tyrone O'Saurus' Dreams
by James Howe and illustrated by Randy Cecil
Tyrone has a dream. But it seems like everyone else has their own dream for Tyrone. Should he be a dentist? A lawyer? A football player like his brother Johnny? None of these things make Tyrone happy. But then he meets the strongest dinosaur he’s ever seen, who inspires him to follow his own heart and become a dancer, like her. A captivating story about a young dinosaur who, with a little love and encouragement, finds the courage to dance his way into his dreams.
Now out in paperback!
Hike
by Pete Oswald
Shortlisted for this year's Kate Greenaway Medal!
In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they’re going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest. By the time they return home, they feel alive – and closer than ever – as they document their hike and take their place in family history.
In detail-rich panels and textured panoramas, Pete Oswald perfectly paces this nearly wordless adventure, allowing readers to pause for subtle wonders and marvel at the views. A touching tribute to the bond between father and child, with resonant themes for Earth Day, Hike is a breath of fresh air.
Now out in paperback!
The Best Place in the World
by Petr Horacek
"Do you think this is the best place in the world?" Hare asks his friends, Rabbit, Bear, Duck and Owl. Certain there must be somewhere better out there, Hare sets out on an adventure that takes him to mountains higher than the clouds, sun-kissed beaches and starlit deserts. But even the most beautiful place isn't perfect without friends to share it with, and perhaps the best place in the world is actually closer than Hare thinks. Petr Horácek's artwork shines with a gorgeous summer palette in this charming bedtime read.
Check out our blog with the wonderful Petr Horacek where he tells us about his favourite place in the world here!
Now out in paperback!
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All of our top picks of the month are now available from all good booksellers!
Our April Book of the Month, Maybe... by Chris Haughton is the perfect read for all those cheeky monkeys out there...
Three little monkeys, and their big monkey, are sat high up on their branch in the forest canopy.
"Ok, monkeys! I'm off," says the big monkey. "Now remember. Whatever you do, do NOT go down to the mango tree. There are tigers down there."
Mmm ... mangos! think the little monkeys. They LOVE mangos. Hmm ... maybe ... maybe they could just look at the mangos? That'd be ok, right?
From the author of Don't Worry, Little Crab comes a funny, suspenseful and keenly observed cautionary tale about pushing boundaries and indulging your more mischievous, cheeky side (when nobody is looking)...
