Picture books for children – reviews Imogen Carter
Picture books that can bring tears to the eyes even after repeated reads are few and far between. John Burningham mastered the skill with
Granpa, as did Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb with
The Paper Dolls. But it’s particularly impressive that debut author Lauren Ace and illustrator Jenny Løvlie achieved the feat while fresh to the game with
The Girls, about four schoolgirls whose friendship and lives blossom under an old apple tree. The tale won the illustrated book category of the 2019 Waterstones children’s book prize, and the pair have since received messages from readers worldwide thanking them for reflecting their own friendships and inspiring the next generation.
really make it as a secret agent? This swift-paced, lively debut balances down-to-earth believability with wish-fulfilment fun.
Geraldine McCaughreanâs
The Supreme Lie (Usborne) is a more complex and stretching book, with the odd upsetting element, so itâs best suited to tougher readers of 10-plus. It follows Gloria, a teenage maid who finds herself impersonating a vanished head of state in Afalia, a country overwhelmed by floods. When Gloriaâs desperate efforts to help the suffering population come up against the machinations of Afalian propagandists (elegantly evoked by Keith Robinsonâs newspaper-style illustrations), discovery looms perilously close in this thought-provoking, poignant, blackly funny novel.
Sara Gangai WINCHESTER Writers Weekend is being held virtually once again after a successful inaugural event in 2020. Originally planned to be held in the city in-person, director Sara Gangai decided it was safer to hold it online until Covid eases. The event provides opportunities for writers to hone their craft, rub elbows with published authors and other writers, and meet one-to-one with literary agents for feedback. Ms Gangai said: “Last year we had around 250 people take part in the event but this year bookings are already exceeding expectations as we have two amazing keynote speakers, including Diana Gabaldon, author of the hugely popular Outlander series, and Chris Riddell, best-selling children’s author/illustrator.
Prescribed burn to cover 2,285 acres in Jones, Wayne counties The Chickasawhay Ranger District will be continuing its prescribed burn program Tuesday about six miles southeast of Ovett, Miss. (Source: United States Forest Service) By Tim Doherty | April 13, 2021 at 10:37 AM CDT - Updated April 13 at 10:37 AM
LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) The United States Forest Service’s Chickasawhay Ranger District will continue their prescribed burn program Tuesday in Wayne and Jones County.
Tuesday’s burn will cover 2,285 acres about six miles southeast of Ovett.
Forest Service Roads 205, 206, 221A, 206E will be affected by Tuesday’s burn and the Little Tiger ATV Trail will be closed.