LJ's beautiful books

By Jo Loring-Fisher Published by Frances Lincoln Ages 3 upwards There is so much to love about this picture book! The illustration throughout is stunning - especially the animals and the colours of the leaves. It makes you want to linger over the pictures after reading the text. I love how Sophy loves and responds to animals the most and that she learns her skills, both bravery and empathy, that way. But this story takes this even further and Sophy translates these skills into how she interacts with humans. A wonderful book - picture and message.    

By Tamzin Merchant  Illustrations by Paola Escobar  Published by Puffin Books  Ages 8 and upwards 'The Mapmakers' delves deeper into the magic and Maker world that we are introduced to in book 1. It is darker, but also includes cute fireflies! What a beautiful, beautiful cover - from the colours to Tudor houses! Cordelia's search for her father in this story (using the starlight map from book 1) not only reveals a river that responds to human commands - amazing - but crucially, a Secret Society of Mapmakers!!! This has an important connection to Merlin of Arthurian Legend - which I love! At the same time, an evil villain is let loose, causing storms and threatening ALL magical places. Cordelia needs to find a way to stop him and help the Mapmakers. Will the other Makers help her? Where is the vital secret map hidden? What is the winged monster appearing in the storms? Who is the mystery woman all in black? This all culminates in a riveting race for Cordelia to save magic AN

By Tamzin Merchant Illustrations by Paola Escobar Puffin Books Ages 8 onwards This standout story is colourful, magical, vivid and funny - with a sprinkle of historical fiction including King George and a Tudor mention of Henry VIII!  The language sparkles with the energy, hope and magic of the main character, Cordelia - the 'littlest hatmaker'. Her world of 'Makers' is filled with Mary Poppins-esque magic, told through gorgeous little details used to make the hats.   This story is full of mystery and suspense (where is Prospero Hatmaker? Will Agatha the Quest Pigeon come back? Who is stealing all the Maker's things for the King?). There are surprises around every corner and the writing is full of humour (my favourite line includes a donkey!). This is a wonderful story, packed full of imagination. I LOVE the focus on creating. This book carries this lovely, encouraging message:  'Everyone has the magic in them to make things.' Buy from  www.waterstones.com .