3 new picture books that moved me

Stardust by Jeanne Willis (Nosy Crow, £6.99)
When visiting Parsons Green’s independent bookshop Nomad the other day, I spotted Stardust by Jeanne Willis, a picture book that made me feel tears welling up in my eyes. The book, which features warm illustrations by Briony May Smith, is about a girl who wants to be a star, but feels it’s hard to measure up to her sister. In the touching book, the caring grandad reminds her she too is a star, and I think a picture book like this can help remind children of different ages what makes us stars. In addition, the book may be useful for opening discussions on sibling rivalry with children or talks about comparing ourselves to peers.

The Girls by Lauren Ace (Caterpillar Books, £6.99)
A picture book I’ve recently bought as a birthday present is The Girls by Lauren Ace, which is about a group of girls who are childhood friends and remain friends as they grow older despite their lives taking them in different directions. A charming story and beautiful illustrations by Jenny Loevlie makes this book a keeper and a thoughtful present to best friends.

All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell (Scribe, £11.99)
With many children facing assessments and exams at this time of year, I loved reading a picture book with a beautiful message about the different ways children can be smart. In All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell, it is not always about spellings and maths, and the rhyming text mentions an array of other talents and characteristics to cherish and celebrate. I think this unique book with colourful illustrations by Alison Colpoys can help children feel proud of what makes them special.

I regularly receive children’s books to review, and other touching picture books I adore are: The Way Home for Wolf by Rachel Bright (Orchard Books, £12.99)(Read more HERE) and Forever by Emma Dodd (Templar Books, £7.99).

Tags: Books, Caterpillar Books, Children's books, Nosy Crow, Orchard Books, Scribe, Templar Books