parenting – Book Craic

*Written by Rachel Faturoti*
*Cover Illustration by Mirelle Ortega*
*Published by* Hodder Children’s Books
*(an imprint of Hachette Children’s Group)*

The Summer I Saved the Wild is a powerful and heartfelt eco-adventure in which nature-loving Kamaria’s life is forever changed when her summer brings new people, new creatures and new adventure … a story that completely captivated me as I followed this courageous young girl on her quest to save mythological creatures desperately in need of her help.

During her summer, thirteen-year-old Kamaria is sent a journal and letters posthumously by her beloved Aunty Fisayo, a zooarchaeologist, who encourages her to believe in herself through her positive messages as she shares details of her Asoca adventure. Kamaria loves nature so, when she discovers that the Wilderness Wanderer competition is taking place in her home town of Pennyville, she is determined to take part in the hope of winning an opportunity to attend an eco-camp in Sweden where one of her best friends from her virtual school lives. But will her overprotective parents allow her the freedom to take part on the series of quests that form the competition? This problem is solved by the arrival of her cousin, Precious, who offers to team up with Kamaria for the competition so that her parents, with conditions, allow her to take part. Precious has her own condition for helping Kamaria: she wants her to keep a secret, a secret that requires Kamaria to lie to her parents as Precious pursues her own dream …

And so begins a powerful and evocative adventure as both the fragility and regenerative nature of the environment and family relationships are explored; as a community comes together, through the courage and strength of a young girl finding her voice, to save something precious and vital; and, where the freedom is found to follow your dreams. I loved the magical realism elements within this adventure with the link between the mythical creatures, the connection to the emotions of others, care for the environment and the messages in the journal.

Kamaria is an incredibly likeable and sympathetic young girl who clearly loves nature and has a real connection with and desire to save the flora and fauna of her local natural environment, but she also finds it difficult to find her voice in a world where her parents are over-protective, have kept secrets from her, and where she feels she cannot speak out against others even when they bring her distress. I loved the connection she has with her beloved Aunty Fisayo through the entries she has written in the journal she sends to Kamaria three years after her death. I also really enjoyed the friendship that forms between Kamaria and Precious as they work together to support each other to pursue their dreams, learning more about each other as their friendship deepens, but also having fractious moments which made the friendship feel genuine.

An inspirational eco-adventure where a deep and heartfelt connection to nature proves a catalyst for both personal and environmental change. An empowering read for those of 9+.

Thank you to Hachette for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

*Written by Becky Goddard-Hill*
*Illustrated by Assia Ieradi*
*Published by Collins*

How I Feel: 40 wellbeing activities for kids is a beautifully illustrated and presented book of activities which will support parents and teachers in helping young children of 4+ talk about, and understand, their feelings. I think it’s also perfect for older children to use independently to promote their own well-being, regulate emotions and to encourage empathy for others.

The book introduces children to the wonderful range of animal characters (who are also on the front cover) who will be with them throughout the book which I think is a fantastic way to make young children feel comfortable, safe and secure as they complete a range of activities.

The book is divided into five areas with an opening section on activities which will help children practise identifying and talking about feelings followed by sections on activities to promote feelings of happiness, kindness, calmness and bravery. I really liked that each section has its own colour which matches the colour on the introductory page, making it easily accessible to children who are ready to use the book more independently, especially having already been introduced to the activities by an adult.

Each activity is clearly introduced and presented on a double page in large font with interaction from the expressive animal characters throughout. There are also ‘For grown-ups’ boxes throughout which gives advice for adults completing the activities with children. Children can enjoy a wide range of activities including playing animal charades, making a nature face, taking part in animal yoga, feeding a worry monster and doing the cushion walk – activities to help them become happier, kinder, calmer and braver.

Emotional regulation can be incredibly difficult for both younger and older children, so I think a book which gives children some ways to cope with a range of emotions is a much-needed and powerful resource. I can definitely see many of these activities being used not only at home but in schools to promote emotional well-being and regulation.

This is a book filled with so much positivity and simple, yet powerful activities, that is such a valuable resource (for parents, carers and teachers) for promoting well-being in young children. As a Year 6 teacher, I can absolutely see the benefits of many of these activities for older children both to promote their own well-being, emotional regulation and self-esteem as well as to build empathy.

Thank you to Lorraine Keating and Collins for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.