"Teevert" by Marc Archambault, illustrated by Lorna Foot

Review

Teevert follows the life of one individual little leaf, from his first budding to his final fall to the ground. Throughout the book, Teevert and his family are full of enthusiasm for life and love of the changing seasons. However, when, one by one, Teevert's friends start to turn brown and fall from the tree, he is not so fond of winter and is frightened of taking that fall. Eventually, he is left alone and is forced to face his fears and take that final jump.

The story is told in a very simple and straight forward way and is perfect for youngsters who are beginning to read for themselves. Lorna Foot's illustrations are bold and capture the atmosphere of the changing seasons as well as Teevert's emotions.

The book gives parents and teachers a perfect starting point for discussion of a number of subjects: the seasons, growing up and the circle of life and death, all presented in a manner that is non-threatening and esay to understand. Recommended.

Buy 'Teevert' from Gone Indy's Lulu Book Store

Please return in a few days time for an interview with Lorna Foot, illustrator of 'Teevert'

The Adventures of Miss Mousey

Review

"The Adventures of Miss Mousey" is the debut children's book by Manchester writer, Lynn Taylor and features the beautiful and whimsical line illustrations of Heather Dickinson. This is an ideal bedtime reader for young children and for older children beginning to read by themselves.

The book has an innocent old fashioned feel which adds to its charm. It is given a modern twist as it features single mum, Mandy, who is bringing up her young daughter alone. She takes her daughter, Erin, to the school fair where they meet a toy mouse 'with attitude'. Erin loves Miss Mousey who becomes her best friend and advisor. But it is when the family's backs are turned that the fun really starts as Miss Mousey and the other toys get involved in a series of exciting adventures and rescue attempts. Miss Mousey is always keen to do good and to help others, whether a fly trying to escape the clutch of the spider, a family of real mice who are in danger of losing their home or a couple of maltreated dogs. She has a strong sense of right and wrong.

In another story, Erin is faced with the prospect of her father remarrying and starting another family. It is Miss Mousey who reassures her that she is loved by her family and who helps her to talk her problems through with them.

There is also an accompanying CD of the narrated story with several simple and catchy songs by Lynn Taylor. Children will soon pick up the words and enjoy singing along. For more information on how to purchase this, please email Miss Mousey.

Next post: Interview with the author, Lynn Taylor