Hot Food Nice! by Michael Rosen & Illustrated by Neal Layton - #bookreview

When I was a boy, I thought my dad knew everything...

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I am required to make it clear at the beginning of my reviews that I received this book for free from the publisher. I have not been paid for doing this and all opinions are my own. I am Bookshop.org affiliated, which means I earn a very small amount of money if you buy from there using my direct link. Although I include purchase links to Amazon, I am not affiliated with them. I include them to make it easy for you to navigate to them if you so wish.

***

The Blurb

Young Michael thinks his dad knows everything. But then one day, one terrible day, he found that his dad does NOT know everything: this is how it goes. They sit down to eat, and the potato’s a bit hot. Michael knows to blow on it to cool it down before eating it. His brother knows it, and his mum knows it. So why does his dad pop it straight into this mouth? And what happens next? A funny slice of family life, told in irresistible repetitive text, that will delight young and old alike.

My Review

This has come from Michael Rosen's book of Nice poems. 

I have a soft spot for any work by this author as I remember how much my children and I enjoyed sharing his poems when they were young. Happy days. Now, I have the joy of sharing them with my grandchildren too. They will absolutely love this picture book.

As always, the author has written a poem whereby he understands how children think. The overgrown child in me laughed out loud while I read this poem. Michael Rosen captures the spirit of the child in his words.

It has been beautifully illustrated by Neal Layton in a simple design which really add something to the text. The bright colours will appeal to young children and I could almost feel the heat emanating from the illustrations of his pile of hot potato.

This lovely picture book deserves to be in every home and school library. I highly recommend it.

UPDATE: I recently spent a weekend with two of my grandchildren who are 2 and 4 years old. I lost count of how many times they asked me to read this book to them. A wonderful book for sharing.

Book Details

ISBN:  978 1529530223

Publisher:  Walker Books

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  32 (paperback)

Purchase Links

Bookshop.org

Amazon UK

Amazon US

About the Author

Michael Rosen is a multi-award-winning poet, a popular radio broadcaster, distinguished critic and academic, and one of the most popular authors for children. He has written over 200 books in a career spanning over five decades, including the internationally bestselling We're Going on a Bear Hunt, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. 

His poems, about family life, childhood and a good deal of silliness, have reached millions through his exuberant online readings. In 2026 he won the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award for writing (the first UK winner for 16 years), as well as a British Book Award for Best Children's Illustrated & Non-Fiction Book of the Year for his new collaboration with Helen Oxenbury, Oh Dear, Look What I Got! 

Michael was the Children’s Laureate from 2007 to 2009, and is now Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London.

You can also find Michael at:

Author Website

X

Instagram

Bluesky

You Tube

About the Illustrator

Born in Chichester, multi award-winning author and Illustrator Neal Layton works on a plethora of publications for children from his treasure-filled studio in the Isle of Wight.

A former student at Newcastle and Central St Martins, Neal has become an avid collector and compulsive scribbler, deftly combining a multitude of styles and techniques in colour and black and white, from pen and ink to collage and digital methods creating fresh and spontaneous illustrations for fiction, non-fiction and novelty books. With a clutch of awards under his belt including the prestigious Sheffield Children’s Book Prize Neal has been lucky enough to collaborate with some of the country’s best loved authors including Nicola Davies, Cressida Cowell, Andy Stanton and Michael Rosen.

Neal is extremely passionate about conservation and inclusivity and this shines through in many of his recent author-illustrated publications. Well versed in discussing and demonstrating his work, Neal takes part in a variety of events including large scale festivals and conferences.

Amazing Fact – Neal Layton is also an extreme skateboarder.

You can also find Neal at:

Instagram

X

Other Blog Posts Featuring Picture Books

L is for Love by Atinuke

The Tour at School (Because You're the New Kid!) by Katie Clapham

Not Pop Pop by Angela De Groot

(book and media courtesy of Walker Books)

(all opinions are my own)

(Bookshop.org affiliated)

Bunnies in a Sleigh by Philip Ardagh and Illustrated by Ben Mantle - #bookreview #repost

It's Christmas Eve at the North Pole, a magical, wondrous night. 

But inside Santa's workshop, somethings not quite right...

***

The Blurb

The Sunnytown bunnies are back for a third picture book adventure, and it might just be their best one yet! It’s Christmas Eve and Santa’s elves have fallen suspiciously unwell (just WHO gave them all those candy canes?), so it looks like Santa needs some help. Luckily, our gang of vehicle-loving bunnies are here to the rescue. Cue chaos at every turn – hopping in and out of chimneys, getting stuck in snow, stuffed in stockings, and having the time of their lives on Santa’s sleigh. It’s a crazy Christmas, but it’s SO MUCH FUN.

My Review

Today I am republishing my review of this book from last year. The paperback edition has recently been released. It is such a lovely story to share with children at Christmas time.

To be honest, I almost knew I would love this book before I even opened the cover. There is a slight craziness to the titular bunnies on the front cover which I found very appealing.

Pre-schoolers and infant aged children (3-6 years) will adore this book. It is the story of how when the elves get tummy ache from eating too many candy canes on Christmas Eve, and are too poorly to help Santa out with his deliveries, the bunnies step in and save the day.

Children will love the rhyming text and the quirky delightful illustrations by Ben Mantle. They are vibrant, joyous and colourful and are a great accompaniment to the text. It is fun and humorous, and adults will enjoy sharing this with their little ones.

Philip Ardagh, Ben Mantle and Walker Books make an excellent team as they have produced this fabulous book that children will love. I highly recommend slipping a copy of this into the stocking of a little one.

There have been two previous 'Bunnies' books, Bunnies on the Bus and Bunnies in a Boat which I think would be worth reading.

Book Details

ISBN:  978 1529507126

Publisher:  Walker Books

Formats: Hardback and paperback

No. of Pages:  32 (paperback)

Purchase Details

Bookshop.org

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Blackwell's

Waterstones

About the Author:

Philip Ardagh is a prolific writer who has been published in 40 languages around the world. His titles include the bestselling Eddie Dickens trilogy, High in the Clouds, co-written with Paul McCartney, and Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky, the winner of the 2009 Roald Dahl Funny Prize. He stands two metres tall with a most impressive beard, and lives with his wife and son in Kent, the Garden of England. Find him on twitter and instagram as @PhilipArdagh.

About the Illustrator:

Ben Mantle is the illustrator of Follow the Track All the Way Back by Timothy Knapman, Kiss the Crocodile by Sean Teylor, Bunnies on the Bus and Bunnies in a Boat by Philip Ardagh, and is also the author-illustrator of Frog vs Toad. Find him on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram as @BenMMantle.

( book and media courtesy of Walker Books)

(all opinions are my own)

(bookshop.org affiliated)

Happy Days: 365 Facts to Brighten Every Day of the Year by Emily Coxhead - #bookreview

 

1st January

When you smile, your body releases chemicals that will make you feel HAPPIER...

***

A wonderfully joyful book bursting with 365 happy facts to brighten every day of the year, from the much-loved creator of The Happy News.

Did you know that otters hold hands when they sleep or that a group of pugs is called a grumble? Discover this and much more in this joyful collection of happy facts, wholesome true stories and uplifting statistics for young readers to learn from and enjoy. Including adorable stories of animals and inspiring stories of humanity, and beautifully complemented by Emily Coxhead’s vibrant artwork, this is the perfect gift to enjoy each and every day for years to come.

***

This is delightful and is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

The book is constructed in diary format so begins on the 1st of January and ends on the 31st of December. Each days entry has a happy fact attributed to it. For example todays is:

"the Dead Sea in the Middle East is SO SALTY that you cannot sink in it." 

There is something for both girls and boys in this book which will bring a little happiness to their day. If I had had this book when my children were young I would have shared each days entry with them over breakfast.

I can well imagine early readers enjoying finding these facts for themselves too. 

A few other facts from the book are:

"Cows have best friends.

Scotland has 421 words for snow, including feefle, snaw and skelf.

Some buildings in Hong Kong have large holes in them designed for dragons to fly through."

There really is something to appeal to all ages up to about eight years old in this book. It is beautifully illustrated by the author, and I heartily recommend it.

ISBN: 978 1529520866

Publisher:  Walker Books

Formats:  Hardback

No. of Pages:  176 (hardback)

About the Author:

Emily Coxhead is a British designer, illustrator and happy thing maker! She is also a graduate of Manchester School of Art, and the founder, director, creator and promoter of The Happy Newspaper. Based in a small village in Lancashire, the simple aim of this entrepreneur is to make the world a happier place. 

The concept for The Happy Newspaper which was first published in December 2015 began as a small idea when Emily realised the effect that the news was having on her especially whilst she was going through a difficult time herself.

Testament to her success, in September 2018 Emily was featured in The Independent newspaper’s Happy List which acknowledges 50 inspirational heroes who do extraordinary things for others, and who deserve to be celebrated for their kindness, courage and selflessness.

(book courtesy of the publisher)

(author media courtesy of her website https://www.emilycoxhead.com/about)

(all opinions are my own)

Counting Sheep: A Farmyard Counting Book by Michelle Robinson - Illustrated by Nikki Dyson - #bookreview

It's been a busy day on the farm. 

The rooster is already fast asleep. 

Sam the farm dog is very tired, too - he's been herding sheep all day...

***

Down on the farm, it’s time to sleep. So sheepdog, Sam, rounds up the sheep…

Everyone knows that counting sheep will send you straight to sleep but what happens when the sheep won’t go to sleep? And what if they don’t know how to count, either?! Sheepdog, Sam, is on the case and he tries everything he can to lull them off to dreamland. But, before long, the whole farm is awake and noisier than ever...

An alternative bedtime story full of farmyard sounds and counting chaos sure to make little ones laugh and parents sigh in sympathy.

***

This is such a delightful picture book, and even though I was reading it by myself and not sharing it with a child it made me laugh out loud.

Each page is covered with charming illustrations through which we can observe Sam the dog getting more tired with each page that is turned. The idea of him teaching the sheep to count sheep in order to get to sleep is comical. 

As the book progresses it is not just the sheep who are awake but the whole farmyard. Sam patiently attempts to get them all to sleep whilst fighting off his own tiredness. Most adults will be able to identify with Sam's tiredness.

In addition to the text and beautiful illustrations, each page has a speech bubble with noises of the various farm animals.

This is such a pleasing, humourous and entertaining book that will be wonderful to share with little ones. It would be perfect for the pre school and infant school setting as it supports the learning of how to count.

A wonderful book which I highly recommend.

ISBN: 978 1406384918

Publisher:  Walker Books

Formats:  Paperback

No. of Pages:  32

About the Author:

Michelle has written over 50 books so far and just keeps going. She loves to perform her stories, sometimes dressed as her characters. In 2020 she won the Laugh Out Loud Book Awards alongside David Walliams. 

She spends her time either writing, editing, making videos, daydreaming, cooking, cleaning the house, going for a walk or having a video call with someone cool. That cool person might be one of her famous author or illustrator friends,

She has dreamed of being an author since she was five. Before she learned to write, she'd fill whole notepads with squiggly lines that looked a bit like joined-up writing. She grew up in a working class household and was the first person in her whole family to go to university. It wasn't easy. She had to work a part-time job as well as studying, but she didn't mind.

When she finished university she started working in advertising agencies as a copywriter. She started writing stories in her spare time, early in the morning and late at night. Her first real book came out in 2012. She couldn't quite believe it. Fifty-something books later, she still can't quite believe it - and she is still working all the hours she can, in between being mum and all that other grown-up stuff.

About the Illustrator:

Nikki Dyson is the bestselling illustrator of Oscar the Hungry Unicorn, Oscar the Hungry Unicorn Eats Christmas and You’re Called What?! Her other books include Dinosaurs Don’t Have Bedtimes, Zippo the Super Hippo and Mack and the Missing Cheese. She lives in Northamptonshire. Find Nikki online at nikkidysonillustration.co.uk and on Twitter @DoodleDyson. 

(book courtesy of Walker Books)

(author media courtesy of her website)

(illustrator media courtesy of Hachette Publishing)

(all opinions are my own)

Maisy's Big Book of Kindness by Lucy Cousins - #bookreview

 

Maisy is very kind.

There are lots of ways to be kind ...

***

Discover how kindness makes Maisy's world go round!

Join Maisy and her friends as they explore all sorts of wonderful ways to be kind, such as sharing, caring, giving, helping the planet and more! This beautiful, bright and joyful celebration of kindness will be an inspiring addition to the bookshelves of little ones and their parents, carers and teachers.

***

Maisy's Big Book of Kindness is a lovely book for pre-schoolers and those who are learning to read.

As in the title, it is aimed at highlighting the ways in which we can show kindness. The book demonstrates ways in which Maisy shows kindness through sharing, giving, caring, helping and playing together. Each short section demonstrates ways in which Maisy is showing kindness towards her friends. It also touches on the issue of forgiveness.

I could very much imagine this book being shared with children in the nursery classroom. Equally, it would make a wonderful discussion point between younger children and their parents/carers.

The illustrations are bold and colourful and will catch the eye of little ones. I can absolutely see myself sharing this with my almost two year old grandson and I am certain he will love it.

There are many other Maisy books and this is a wonderful addition to the previous publications. 

There is also a Maisy website with resources for children, parents and teachers https://www.maisyfun.com/forchildren/

ISBN: 978 1406381795

Publisher:  Walker Books

Formats: hardback

No. of Pages:  48

About the Author:

Lucy Cousins was born in 1964, attending a school in Kent. After doing a foundation course at Canterbury College, Lucy did a BA Honours in Graphic Design, followed by a postgraduate degree at the Royal College of Art.

Maisy, the famous mouse, “drew herself” one day, when Lucy was doodling various animals on a piece of paper, looking for inspiration, and the first Maisy book was published soon after Lucy left college. Maisy, who also stars in her own television show, has become one of the best-loved characters in children’s books, and is recognized the world over. Lucy won the Bologna Ragazzi Non-fiction Prize 1997 for Maisy’s House and has been Highly Commended for the National Art Illustration Award 1997 for Za Za’s Baby Brother, images from which were also used in a publicity campaign by Tommy’s, the baby’s charity. Jazzy in the Jungle won the Smarties Book Prize in 2002. Hooray for Fish!, published in 2005, is a celebration of life under the sea. Lucy lives in Hampshire with her husband and has four children.

Lucy finds that illustration comes more easily to her than writing, which tends to work around the drawings. “I draw by heart,” she says. “I think about what children would like by going back to my own childlike instincts.” And what instincts they are! Lucy now has sold more than 31 million books in worldwide, including picture books, sticker books, cloth books, colouring books, board books, pull-the-tab and lift-the-flap books, three-dimensional play sets, a clock book… Where does the prolific Lucy – a mother of four children – find the energy? “I’m quite disciplined,” she says of her productivity. “If I’m having an ‘ideas’ day, I just sit at my desk and draw and write until I feel something is happening – though I admit that this is usually helped by a cup of tea, some lively music, and an abundance of sunshine.” As for outside inspiration, she says she’s sometimes influenced by the work of other artists, as long as those artists are children. Says the author-illustrator, “I get more pleasure and inspiration from walking around a primary school than from any art gallery.”

(book and author media courtesy of Walker Books)

(all opinions are my own)

How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett & Illustrated by Jon Klassen - #bookreview

 

How does he do it?

How does it work?

Does he tighten his belt?

Or shrink himself down to the size of a mouse?

***

The multi-award-winning duo of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen tackle a perennial question: how does Santa go down the chimney?

When Santa arrives at a child’s house on Christmas Eve, does he go down the chimney feet first or head first? What if he gets stuck? What if there’s no chimney? Maybe he slides under the door, as thin as a piece of paper? Or is it possible he pours himself through the tap? What happens once he’s inside?

Mac Barnett’s iconic talent for earnest deadpan humour and Jon Klassen’s irresistibly funny art honour this timeless question with answers both ridiculous and plausible, mounting in hilarity as the night continues. Channeling a child’s fanciful explanations, this latest collaboration by a bestselling team will find a secure spot among family Christmas traditions.

***

This is a delightful picture book which aims to answer the question that every child has asked at some point, how does Santa get into the house? He is so quiet he never wakes anyone up including the dog!

Aimed at pre-school/infant aged children, every theory is purported in this book and accompanied by stylised illustrations from Jon Klassen. These completely support the text which will aid early independent readers.

It is a charming story with humour throughout and would make a perfect gift. I think most children would be thrilled to discover this in their stocking on Christmas morning.

When my sons were young, we would share a Christmas/Winter themed book every evening at bedtime. With one hundred percent certainty, I can say that they would have adored this book, and it would have fit the bill perfectly.

My little boys are now full grown men with families of their own, and they will love sharing this book with my grandchildren.

ISBN: 978 1529512779

Publisher:  Walker Books

Formats:  e-book and hardback

No. of Pages:  32 (hardback)

About the Author:

Mac Barnett is a New York Times-bestselling author of stories for children. His work has been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 4 million copies worldwide. Mac’s books have won many prizes, including two Caldecott Honors, three New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Awards, three E.B. White Read Aloud Awards, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, Germany’s Jugendliteraturpreis, China’s Chen Bochui International Children’s Literature Award, The Netherlands’ Silver Griffel, and Italy’s Premio Orbil. He is the co-creator, with Jon Klassen, of Shape Island, a stop-motion animated series on Apple TV+, based on their best-selling Shapes series of picture books. Mac lives in Oakland, California.

About the Illustrator:

Illustrator, cartoonist, enthusiast. An appreciator and advocate of work that is honest and genuine from its conceptualization to its execution.

Specializing in children’s picture book illustration, editorial cartoons and character design.

Jon currently lives and works in Toronto, Canada.

(book courtesy of the publisher)

(author media courtesy of his own website)

(illustrator photo courtesy of Wikipedia and bio info courtesy of the illustrators website)

(all opinions are my own)