There’s something so special about big book full of beautiful illustrations or inspiring ideas. At this time of year, these books make wonderful gifts – something families can enjoy together and children can come back to again and again. Whether it’s a bedtime story, poetry, science, Shakespeare, art or incredible people, it’s so lovely to share these wonderful books.
And Everything Will Be Glad To See You by Ella Risbridger & Anna Shepeta (Nosy Crow)
“Discover unexpected and delightful poetry, bright and beautiful illustrations, and a world of inspiration in this enchanting anthology. From well-loved poets, including Maya Angelo and Christina Rosetti, to newer voices like Triska Hamid and Amineh Abou Kerech, this eye-opening feminist collection has poems for every moon and every moment.”
And Everything Will Be Glad To See You is one of the most beautiful poetry books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Each poem provides readers with an opportunity to play with language while Anna Shepeta’s gorogeous illustrations inspire further understanding of the imagery. This will be one of my books of choice this Christmas for all the special girls in our family.
The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions by Isabel Thomas & Aaron Cushley (Bloomsbury)
“Science isn’t about knowing lots of facts or getting the right answer all the time. It’s not even about wearing a lab coat. Science is about asking questions…
Have you ever not been able to concetrate because there are SO many questions buzzing round your brain? Why are bubbles always round? Could I ever touch a rainbow? Why can’t I remember being a baby? The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions will offer answers to the most bamboozling questions and curious queries that you can think of. This book will define, debunk and demystifying the trickiest of questions and even open your eyes to questions you have never even thought of!”
My daughter is a pro at spinning out bedtime “just five more minutes” with another question or topic of conversation while her little brother often pops downstairs with “I was just thinking about…” The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions would have been absolutely perfect for them when they were in primary school. This is a book for real thinkers. Why are bubbles always round? Can I sleep with my eyes open? And the corker – “How long would it take to count to infinity?” One question each evening will leave children with something to ponder after lights out.
Human Kindness: True Stories of Compassion and Generosity that Changed the World by John Francis & Josy Bloggs (What on Earth Books)
“Join the Planetwalker, John Francis, on an exploration of kindness, great and small. From the kindness John has experienced in his own life to the history of how kindness has helped to shape our laws, morals and communities, read many inspirational stories from around the world. Over the whole history of humankind, kindness has been key to the survival of our species and to making our word a better place.”
Children are keen to be kind and helpful. So often they want to do the right thing and find new ways of expressing their generosity. This book is overflowing with inspiration and role models. From the earliest examples of kindness to stories of kindness from around the world to ideas about how children can show kindness closer to home, there is so much to share and discuss. This would be a lovely book to share in PSHE sessions or as a class read in Year 2 onwards – one double-page spread each day.
The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories (Faber Children’s)
“The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories is a sumptious anthology full of hope, courage and brimming with positivity. A gift of great beauty to be treasured for years to come, the collection brings together a selection of Faber’s favourite, bestselling authors and a host of rising stars. Readers will be filled with optimism and hope by tales rooted in the magic of friendship and the natural world.”
I’m taking part in the blog tour for this fantastic book next week but I couldn’t put together a list of beautiful gift books without including The Faber Book of Bedtime Stories. With stories from so many incredible authors including Emma Carroll, Kieran Larwood, Natasha Farrant & Aisha Busby, there is something for everyone. What’s so lovely about this bedtime story book is that the stories are suitable for slightly older children. There is an amazing variety of tales to send children off to sleep with heads full of wonder.
Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year Edited by Allie Esiri (Macmillan)
“Shakespeare for Every Day of the Year features 365 extracts from Shakespeare’s plays, sonnets and longer poems in a day-to-day format. Allie’s introductions to each extract often shed new light on the work of the greatest writer in the English language, inviting deveotees and newcomers to make Shakespeare part of their daily routine.”
The breadth of Shakespeare’s writing is difficult to grasp. Being able to dip into this rich language each day for an entire year is sure to give readers a powerful understanding of his mastery of language, themes and characters. This regular reading is sure to develop pronunciation and understanding. My secondary school children have enjoyed exploring the pages already.
The Vincent Van Gogh Atlas, Junior Edition by Rene van Blerk, Nienke Denekamp & Geert Gratama (Rubenstein & The Van Gogh Museum)
“This richly illustrated children’s book, which features colourful pictures, historic photographs, letters, detailed maps and topographical material, follows Vincent Van Gogh along all of the places where he lived and worked. The atlas offers a playful and accessible introduction to how Vincent used the rapidly changing world around him as the subject of his drawings and paintings.”
I could spend hours reading The Vincent Van Gogh Atlas, Junior Edition. It is full fascinating information about this great artist. The completely charming illustrations combined with real photographs bring Van Gogh’s personal history to life on the page. There are so many details that help readers understand how he became the great artist still remembered today. This is the perfect book for a keen art student or a teacher planning a classroom topic. Despite being titled “Junior Edition”, I know my mum (an artist and fan of Van Gogh) would really enjoy exploring this book as well.
Click on the covers below to find out more or purchase online:
Bookshop.org
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Books by Kate Heap:
Scope for Imagination 