Books for Easter

Books for Easter Reading is the title of my school suggested reading list at this time of year. We have now broken up for Easter and parents are always keen to find some books to keep the children entertained as well as to stretch them. It is the point of the academic year when reading habits begin to wane - the weather is the main reason - children love to play outside and often have many sporting commitments. However there are so many great books to be read why not listen to the weather men. We are told by these purveyors of weather news that in 2012 the Easter weekend is going to be a wet one, so I for one will have a pile of books at the ready. They don't all require me to sit and read quietly, some are for reading aloud and sharing, others are for craft fun.

Let's start with a selection of books for the youngest readers, or rather listeners. if you have some small children surrounding you this Easter, clamouring for entertainment then these books will be the perfect choice.

A new series, My First Picture Book, published by Random House features four different titles, I have been lucky enough to review three of them. Starting with Bigger Digger by Steve Webb and Ben Mantle in which a big quarry lorry gets rather stuck and so begins a disastrous day in which a lorry, truck and digger each get stuck trying to help one another. Add to this some fabulous rhythm and rhyme in the form of the story text, vibrant pictures and wonderful sounds to be made and you have a recipe for fun. Not a fan of diggers or need another theme? Try A Quiet Day in the Jungle by Andrew Weale & Britta Teckentrup, a clam and peaceful day is being enjoyed by all the animals until a very cheeky monkey unleashes clamour and chaos, can you guess what he did before it is revealed? Boo Boo Baby and the Giraffe by Eileen Browne and Emily Bolam tells the story of a little baby setting off into a dreamy journey of excitement at bedtime, all the animals make a sound but are they all soothing and where have they come from? Find out for yourself in this charming story perfect for bedtime after a long day of Easter egg hunts!

Of course on Easter Day what better activity to indulge in than a traditional Easter Egg hunt which is just what happens in Dawn Richards and Heidi D'hamers Duck's Easter Egg Hunt. Children will love the tile and the glittery pile of eggs on the front cover as much as they will the charming story. Duck is so excited when she organises the village Easter egg hunt that she accidentally hides her own egg! Join Duck, the three bunnies Hoppy, Poppy and Floppy and a host of other characters as they all enjoy the most important Easter egg hunt ever ... can they find the missing egg? Children, you will have to help and see how many eggs you can spot hidden throughout this gorgeous story.

Easter egg hunts are of course just one of the many activities keeping children busy on Easter Day but when they have finished that are are clamouring for more try giving them a copy of My Carry Along Easter, an activity book with stickers from Lion Hudson with crafts by Jocelyn Miller. This book features 15 different activities for children from a spot the difference puzzle to Easter card making and fluffy chick cakes. There is plenty here to keep both adults and children amused and the charming 'carry along' handle means the book is incredibly portable too! If its raining and you are stuck indoors then why not try My Very First Easter Playtime and activity book with stickers, from Lion Publishing, to keep them amused.

A story is required and one that fits the Easter theme? Jez Alborough's Six Little Chicks combines counting experience and a charming story perfectly themed to the time of year. Croc and Bird by Alexis Deacon, published by Random House, is an absolute delight featuring two eggs which hatch into a bird and a croc following their unusual growing up and discovering that a true family is not always what you might expect it to be. Finally for the young children there is Penguin's Hidden Talents by Alex Latimer, published by Corgi, in which a talent show - perhaps another great Easter activity - reveals to Penguin and his friends that talents may certainly be hidden but a little effort will soon bring them out.

All in all a charming selection of stories, some with an Easter theme, others perfect for the time of year, to entertain little ones.

What if you have or are an older child? Well you may not want a vast selection of books to choose from so here are just a couple to tempt you ...

For anyone who finds reading a challenge or just wants a book to make them laugh the new Barrington Stoke title from Jeremy Strong should fit the bill. The Ghost in the Bath is a wet and soggy ghost story with a twist of history for good measure! Luke is in trouble - he hasn't done his history project for Mrs Rubble, he cannot find any inspiration. How does a ghost in his bath connect? Ellie is the ghost if a girl who drowned when the Titanic sunk. Her wish to find her one true loves sends Luke on a mission and inspires his history homework too but will it be enough for Mrs Rubble?

Continuing on a semi-historical theme readers might be interested in Richard Knight's The Court Painter's Apprentice published by Catnip. Almost a version of A Picture of Dorian Grey for children this is the story of Johann, an apprentice painter who finds that his master's advice - to paint what he sees not what he thinks he sees gives him the power to paint a person's soul and even alter it. Talent is not something Johann is short of but his new skill can be both a blessing and a curse. Find out where it takes him and what he learns in this engaging and thought-provoking novel.

Easter Delights!

Easter is just around the corner. Are you off on a journey or just staying at home to enjoy some last Spring sunshine? Whatever your plans you can be assured that there is a book for you to enjoy. You could look through the latest edition of Armadillo Magazine for some inspiration of take up one of my suggestions here.

For the crafty among you why not try making something with the inspiring ‘I Can make things for Easter’ from Lion Publishing. Packed with ideas, in fact there are 16 projects from using paint and your fingers to make fingerprint chicks, getting busy in the kitchen creating chocolate nests, crafting an Easter card or even making chicken markers for the traditional Easter Egg hunt. Not forgetting of course the woolly sheep, bunny ears and Easter vase, there really is something in this book for everyone; every age; every ability. So what are you waiting for: get stuck in!

If you are travelling then I have the perfect idea for you, ‘The Children’s Travel Journal’ by Ann Banks is an opportunity to record you thoughts and feelings about the places you may have seen, include some interesting and memorable facts even save some mementoes in the special pocket. Perfect for any budding writers and reporters, a lovely way to keep your memories safe this is a friendly charming an well designed journal.For younger children unfamiliar with Easter and wanting a little craft activity of their own ‘My Very First Easter Story’ again from Lion publishing should tick the box. Not only does it introduce the youngest children to the traditional Easter story but it allows them to customise the story with the enclosed stickers.

If it is a reading book that will make you happy then for younger readers I can strongly recommend 'Naughty Toes' by Ann Bonwill & Teresa Murfin. This is a charming story about how to be yourself. Trixie and Belinda may be sisters but that does not mean that have the same ability when it comes to ballet, or that their hair is the same or even their dress sense! Smile at the gorgeous illustration a glorious collage of shape and colour, giggle at the story and enjoy discovering, along with Belinda, that being yourself is best for you never know what you may discover! Sticking with the performing theme

‘Sam in the Spotlight’ by Anne-Marie Conway continues the drama and dilemma’s faced by the Star Maker Club. This time it is Sam who faces a confidence problem, how do you react when you receive a letter from a sister you didn’t even know you had? Follow Sam’s journey as she comes to terms with a new family member and her drama dilemmas in this latest addition to a series charting the ups and downs of the members of Star Makers Drama Club.

Finally for anyone a little older why not try the new stand alone novel from Liz Kessler, 'A Year Without Autumn.' Liz originally wrote this story 6 years ago but her editors wanted her to wait until the time was right to publish it. The time is definitely right now for this novel of time-slips, family ups & downs and friendships. A pacey, well told and exciting story with plenty of ups & downs this is a great read and perhaps a step up for some readers.

Do enjoy your Easter break however you spend in and do try to find at least one good book to read!

Happy Easter

Easter is a time for celebration, it is obviously imbued with religious significance but its also an opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a long weekend of fun and games, Easter egg hunts and chocolate. What do we do with little ones when they are worn out with all the activity or with those who have eaten too much chocolate, or those, who like me cannot eat chocolate? My answer is of course books - we can never too many of these and I have some wonderful recommendations to make of books that are not just for Easter!

The Usborne Little Book of Chocolate is perfect for fact finders and chocloate

lovers alike for it reveals the history of chocolate from its origins in ancient Mexcio where a bitter chocolate drink was the favourite indulgence through to the soild milk chocolate that we eat today all types, and flavours of chocolate are considered. This book is sure to leave the mouth watering and the brain filled with interesting trivia!

Once this little gem has got the taste buds tickled then where better to turn than to an inter-galactic chocolate covered adventure story featuring a princess some rather mean aliens and a host of wonderfully bright and funny characters Gillian Rogerson and Sarah McIntyre have created a brilliant picture book to share with children, take them on a wonderful adventure and find them drooling over the many sweets decorating the pages, available in both hardback and paperback editions this would make a brilliant alternative to a chocolate Easter egg if you are stuck for a gift and is of course one that can be enjoyed long past this weekend.

As if this were not enough the story of Easter can be shared with Caroline Church's Here Comes Easter featuring an eggciting Easter egg hunt and a number learning exercise - a fun book that helps children learn on many levels and with a durable board book format this is perfect for even the littlest and most chocolate covered fingers! Finally why not turn to Val Gorbachev's charming Little Chick, the story a mother hen and her lost chick told with charm and wit this is the story of how one missing chick causes a great search, only to be found safe and sound taking a nap - will any of the characters learn? Turn to this for a charming read and a nice wind down after a hectic day at any time but perhaps especially this weekend!