Crime Meets Slime!

The first visitor's to my library this morning are regulars. A charming pair of girls who are incredibly keen readers but really made me smile this morning when, on reading the blurb of the latest book, Millie gave Sophie the go ahead to read it with her full approval. When asked why this was needed she responded well I am her brain!

This seemed to be a wonderful concept, walk around with a detached brain that can be put to use at any time - surely the perfect idea for a wonderfully funny story.

This leads me perfectly of course to the latest incarnation from the apparently unstoppable pen and imagination of Steve Cole - Slime Squad. the first two books, The Fearsome Fists and The Toxic Teeth introduce us to a whole host of new characters, good and bad of course!

The Slime Squad are born from the discarded work of a "SUPER-BONKERS scientist" who in despair at his failure to create "mutant mini-monsters"to clean up the planet discards his lifetime's work all over a rubbish dump. Born from this are some "bold, inventive monsters" who create a home and a world in the dump. All is not well however for whilst there were some monsters born from the good waste still others were born from bad, thus is born the Slime Squad.

From this premise adventures are formed and the first finds the squad battling a team of evil monsters who are stealing teeth in order to create new life. They have already met the villain, Lord Klukk, in the first story when he creates a gang of fists designed to steal as much money as possible...

The Slime Squad, along with their "mega-mechanical boss" PIE must fight the bad guys and show the world that they, and their good deeds are here to stay.

With the usual brand of Steve Cole humour "We must get tooth the bottom of this mouthy mystery" which will have grown-ups cringing Steve Cole will find himself a new legion of fans clamouring to read these accessible and funny stories. Of course the addition of more brilliant illustrations from Woody Fox makes this team almost as unbeatable as their characters!

Perhaps some readers will even be spurred on to do their bit for the environment and ensure that no more baddies are created from discarded toxic waste...

And my vote goes to... THE BOOK!

Election day in the UK means many things to different people. the children in my school the children may be too young to cast a vote but they are very aware of what is going on, some of them are studying the idea of elections for their PSHE lessons but how can young children be helped to understand what elections mean? Elections are about making a choice and they are not limited to politics. Whilst I am not usually a fan of 'celebrity' books the recently published English roses, Ready, Set Vote seems to be the perfect book for today. The girls in this story are voting for their class presidents and there are lots of important lessons they can learn about how to make a good leader.

I sometimes consider myself to be a leader but in a very open way - I lead children to books and stories, making myself available and trying to ensure that I have lots of good ideas to hand and just yesterday my day was made when a young boy came to find me and tell me how much he was enjoying the book I had recommended - it was a very simple action but one that meant a lot to me. He had been reading Alex Rider and didn't know where to turn so he was quite doubtful when I suggested Young Bond, but is now hooked! I don't believe I have very good persuasive powers but I do feel that I am very skilled at matching children's interests to a book and I am yet to be defeated!

Leading children to books and acting as a leader does of course require a considerable amount of reading on my part, some books will hook me more than others and whilst I have a bias towards a scertain style of story and don't we all have our favourite authors, I find it hugely rewarding to open myself up to as many possibilities as possible which is why I am currently reading Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody. I am often not sure about books when they are lauded as being bestsellers from other countries but the skill with which the prose in this story flows with a poinancy and pointedness has me gripped - this is a great story, well told, incredibly well imagined and just the right length for juniors progressing to seniors and wishing to excpand their reading horizons.

However your horizons change after today make sure that reading remains a firm part of your everyday life and perhaps follow up one of these suggestions...

Interactive Picture Book Pleasure

Apologies for my absence from the blog, this has been the result of a sudden and unexpected family bereavement. However I have still been reading and here, for your enjoyment, are my latest musings....

Interactive picture books are becoming more popular for children and I for one am envious, I would have loved to have some of this selection when I was a child, but then I think we made our own entertainment and learnt to have fun reading with the classic ladybird books, many of which I still have. My nephews and god-children are often the lucky recipients of some of the wonderful books that come into my possession, those that my husband claims we have no room for, but these might just have to stay!

When I Dream of Ten Little Fairies and Ten Little Racing Cars: A Speedy Counting Book, illustrated by Sania Rescek and Charles E Reasoner respectively are two of the latest interactive story books from Tide Mill Press. The front cover of each book presents the reader with a cut-out image of the ten characters to be found in the book. Ten Little Fairies are presented with glittery tutu’s whilst the ten racing cars are each numbered. Turn the pages of each title, follow the simple and charming, rhyming story and discover what will happen to each of them as the story progresses. There is a special surprise for the reader at the end of each book and the charming stories will help readers develop a love of reading as well as important sequencing and counting skills.

Let’s Take a Trip on Animal Airways is the third wonderful title, this interactive story takes readers on a flight of fantasy and adventure around the world on an aeroplane full of animals. Children can take part in the story by pulling the novelty plastic ribbon through the pages to ensure the plane pops up and its new passengers are visible. With colourful imagery and fun characters this book encourages children to take an active role in their reader, learn to count, recognise animals and learn where they have come from. It is a great story, a fun book and a great learning experience.

Reading and counting are crucial skills for young children to develop, these books offer a fabulous opportunity for parents to help their children learn to count, learn to enjoy stories and rhyme and celebrate the joy of innovative book publishing. With beautiful, bright and delightful illustration these books will mesmerise and charm young boys and girls alike.

Well, It is Sunday afternoon, the sun is shining and I am writing my first blog post! I should, I suppose, set out my aims for this blog which are to promote the Armadillo Magazine, children's literature and reading.

As a school librarian and editor of Armadillo Magazine, I feel very strongly about exciting children about books and reading, there are so many things that I want to say and so much content that could go into the magazine that I want to be able to bring to you on a regular basis, that I have decided to start this blog.

So watch this space for my weekly news and remember to visit the magazine, read the reviews and other features from my wonderful team and help us to promote literature to and for children...

Louise x