New May Picture Book Releases

Check out a selection of our May releases below! 

No Nancy No: A Seaside Adventure
by Alice Tait

Nancy is visiting her cousin Jack at the seaside, when his cheeky pet parrot flies away. “After that parrot!” cries Nancy, and sets off in hot pursuit, racing across the bustling beach, the colourful funfair and even the foaming sea. But … uh-oh! There’s lots of mischief to be had beside the sea … and Nancy is VERY mischievous!

With plenty of flaps to open, a fold-out map, and an exciting pop-up pirate ship, this is an interactive read-aloud for all the family.

Puddling!

by Emma Perry and illustrated by Claire Alexander

Pull on your wellies and button up your coats for this playful, interactive story all about children delighting in the joy of splish-splash-sploshing in muddy puddles with their friends, and cherishing snuggles on the sofa afterwards. Emma Perry's debut on the Walker list encapsulates the joy of being outside whatever the weather, and is paired perfectly with Claire Alexander's watercolour artwork to recreate splashing puddles and raindrops!

The Queen: Panorama Pops
Illustrated by Liz Kay

Queen Elizabeth II's iconic reign will reach the 70 year mark in 2022, with celebrations all over the world for her Platinum Jubilee. This beautiful novelty book is packed with information about the Queen's stately duties as well as fascinating trivia about her personal life. For example, did you know that the Queen was nicknamed "Princess Auto Mechanic" during World War Two, when she joined the women's branch of the British army? Or that she named her first corgi Dookie? Or that she is the most widely travelled monarch in the world? Learn all this and more in this exquisite cut-paper souvenir.

Anglerfish: The Seadevil of the Deep
by Elaine M. ALexander and illustrated by Fiona Fogg

Deep in the darkest part of the ocean where no ray of sunlight can reach, Anglerfish makes her home. Resources are scarce, and fellow inhabitants scarcer. Still largely a mystery to scientists, the deep-sea anglerfish is a true source of fascination and awe. This mesmerizing picture book shines a light on the fascinating fish, pairing a captivating text with stunning artwork.

Grandma's Story
by Moira Butterfield and illustrated by Salvatore Rubino

"All the grown-ups you know have their own story. They were all babies once. Then they grew, just like you..."

This charming picture book is all about grandparents, grandchildren and connections between the generations. The two important messages at its heart are, first, that older family members often play a HUGE part in a child's life, which is something to celebrate, and, second, that we each have our own "life story" – a fundamental point for developing empathy in young children. With characterful artwork throughout, and an end-note packed full of suggestions on how to use this book with a child, Grandma's Story is a perfect choice for grandparents, grandchildren and everyone in-between to share.

Ernest the Elephant
by Anthony Browne

Ernest is a happy baby elephant. But when his curiosity gets the better of him and he leaves the rest of his herd to explore the alluring and dangerous jungle, he becomes very lost indeed. Amongst the undergrowth, he meets a rude gorilla, a weary lion, an impolite hippo and an uncaring crocodile. Will anyone help Ernest find his way out of the jungle and home to his mum? From the international phenomenon, Anthony Browne, comes a heartfelt, visually stunning picture book, about finding help in unexpected places.

Now out in paperback.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Gordon C. James

The barber shop is where magic happens! Boys go in as lumps of clay and, with princely robes draped around their shoulders, a dab of cool shaving cream on their foreheads and a slow, steady cut, they become royalty, aware of every great thing that could happen to them when they look good. Their grades improve, they get noticed, they feel good about themselves. This rhythmic, read-aloud title is an unbridled celebration of the self-esteem, confidence and swagger boys feel when they leave the barber's chair. It's a tradition that places a figurative crown on their heads that perfectly confirms their brilliance and worth. 

Now out in paperback.

Just in Case You Want to Fly
by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Christian Robinson

Just in case you want to fly
here's some wind and here's the sky...

What else might you need? A song. Your favourite giraffe. And a map to find your way home again.
This tender, contemplative picture book is about growing up. It’s about parents giving their children the gifts, no matter how quiet or small, to succeed and to navigate the world on their own. And it’s about the connection that binds a parent and child … because no matter how far they fly or who they become, they will always have home. Now out in paperback.

How to Be Cooler than Cool
by Sean Taylor and illustrated by Jean Jullien

Cat has found a pair of sunglasses. She thinks they are going to make her look COOL. “I’m not just any old cat at the playground," she says. "I’m a real cool cat, gliding backwards down the slide, looking cooler than cool ... WITH EXTRA COOL ON TOP!” She pops on the glasses … confidently struts forwards and – Meooaaaooow! – falls down the slide. Oh, how UNCOOL. Can Pig or Cockatoo do any better?

From the team behind Hoot Owl, Master of Disguise and I Want to Be in a Scary Story comes a gloriously slapstick title that celebrates friendship, play and being yourself (no matter how goofy). Now out in paperback.

Click here for our How to Be Cooler than Cool activity sheets.

 

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All of our May releases are now available from all good booksellers!