Primary Plus Book Reviews

The Little House That Didn’t Have a Home by Neil Sullivan Illustrated by Steve Burke

 Hubble and Hattie ISBN 9781787113077   £7.99 A charming book about a House that does not have a place to live. He embarks on an epic journey to find the right place, but he is not welcomed by everyone. The Little House shows tenacity and perseverance. Eventually he finds exactly the right spot. The text is…

The Tree That’s Meant To Be written and illustrated by Yuval Zommer

Oxford University Press ISBN 9780192769800   £12.99 A fir tree is too small and irregular to be chosen as a Christmas tree. He is quite upset and scared but, as events unfold, he finds friends in forest creatures who dress the tree in a natural way. The lyrical story celebrates the true meaning of Christmas and…

Red Red Red written and illustrated by Polly Dunbar

Walker Books ISBN: 9781406376968 £12.99 This is the story of a tantrum. After falling trying to reach the biscuit jar, discovering his sock is coming off and his pants are twisted, there is only one outcome for this toddler as the red mist descends- a roaring, head-banging meltdown! Luckily Mum suggests counting to ten along…

What’s That Noise? written and illustrated by Naomi Howarth

Otter-Barry Books ISBN 9781910959701 £11.99 Magnus the seal is an enchanting character. He hears strange noises and tries to work out what is causing them. He meets with hare, owl, fox, polar bear, walrus and shrimps. Eventually the puzzle is solved, with much hilarity. The artwork is absolutely glorious. Evocative illustrations recreate the atmosphere of…

Lula and the Sea Monster written and illustrated by Alex Latimer

 OUP ISBN 978019275952-8 £6.99 This story book involves Lula having a special place which she is in danger of losing, as the family have had to sell their house to make way for a new road.  At a time when we hear often how people are having to move because of new developments, this picture book allows…

Mannie and the Long Brave Day by Martine Murray Illustrated by Sally Rippin

Allen and Unwin ISBN 9781911631439      £6.99 When Mannie decides to go on an adventure, she takes her doll, Strawberry Luca, and toy elephant, Lilliput, with her as well as a special box full of secret things. As they go on their travels different things appear from the box – sparkly shoes for Strawberry Luca, an…

Goodbye House, Hello House by Margaret Wild Illustrated by Ann James

Allen and Unwin ISBN 9781911631514  £12.99 A sensitive book showing a young child saying farewell to all the fun activities she has enjoyed in his country home. She says goodbye to each room and changes the writing on the wall from “Emma lives here” to “Emma lived here”. Then she travels to her new house…

Jazz Dog written and illustrated by Marie Voigt

OUP ISBN 9780192766885 £11.99 An attractive book with detailed illustrations. Cats and dogs live in a divided world. There is dog music for POWERFUL Rock Dogs, and cat music for the Jazz Cats. The two are very separate. One dog is different, and doesn’t fit in. Jazz Dog is hooked on cat jazz! Even though…

Red Cherry Red by Jackie Kay Illustrated by Rob Ryan

Bloomsbury ISBN 9781526614841 £8.99 This is a wonderful collection of poetry from the award winning Scottish poet Jackie Kay. The poems are reflective of people’s hopes and dreams as well as their everyday life.  They range from the very poignant such as “Mrs Dungeon Brae” about an old lady living, and eventually dying alone, to…