We all have times when things are too much, when we fall out with friends, or we have to be brave even when we are scared. For children, story-telling can be a perfect way to recognise emotions, articulate feelings, and unpack complex situations. These books, which are wonderful stories — the best of which employ humour as well as heart — open doors to conversations, understanding, and empathy.
From the pen and brush of the excellent Bomb and Dazzlehands, comes A Guide to Rocks. This is the best picture book I’ve come across about feelings and how to unpack them.
Charlie has a rock. It’s a beautiful pink crystal, but there’s something about it which worries Dad. As Dad tries to instruct Charlie on the way to deal with his rock — hide it, ignore it, deflect attention from it — it just keeps getting bigger! Eventualy the rock gets so heavy and large it joins with many others and pushes Dad and Charlie apart. It’s going to take some effort to turn this rock over, but possibly together they can do it. This is a stand-out picture book. The text is great, Dad and Charlie are excellent characters, and there’s plenty of heart and humour. The illustrations are delightful, full of the same energy and humour as the award-winning Bomb. Clever, funny, honest, and also useful. A Guide to Rocks lets children (and parents) knows it’s okay to vulnerable, to express your fears and doubts, and that you are not alone.
Also available in te reo Māori: Te Taonga te Toka
Another wonderful author/illustrator duo does it again in Twigs and Stones. Joy Cowley is always excellent, and teamed with the excellent Gavin Bishop, the ‘Snake and Lizard’ series has been a favourite with young readers for several years. The latest is a picture book about friendship. Snake and Lizard are friends, but sometimes that’s friends with a big ‘F’ and at other times a small ‘f’. What starts as a good plan becomes a joke, and then not so funny after all. As Lizard works away, Snake dozes, and that ‘f’ becomes a little smaller. When the task doesn’t quite go to plan, Snake doesn’t see the funny side, and takes revenge. But revenge isn’t sweet! Will the two friends make up? This is a charming story about being friends, falling out and making up. Twigs and Stones is a story about the joy of friendship, and why knowing when to back down, move on and be kind are great skills. Words can be mean, and they can also be meaningful.
And one for the brave or about-to-be-brave. Here’s a twist on a classic fairytale. Anna Höglund, inspired by the Swedish author Elsa Beskow’s Tripp, Trapp, Trull, brings us a tale of bravery, audacity and cleverness. The Stone Giant is beautifully illustrated ( copperplate etchings and watercolour) and the heroine is the best — resourceful and determined.
A child is left to fend for herself when her father, a brave knight, has to leave to confront the giant. After some time goes by, and all the chores are done, the child tires of wistfully watching for her father’s return, and sets out to find him. There’s a long journey ahead. But she never gives up. With a little help and guidance she continues on to a land of stones and the giant herself! What can a small child in a red dress do? You’ll be surprised! A wonderful story, with just the right amount of danger for a young audience — and a happy ending.