Leo's Book den reviews of the week

Published: 29-Nov-2021

Leo reviews two books this week

The Spectacular Suit

Written by Kat Patrick
Illustrated by Hayley Wells

The Spectacular Suit

“No one tells you exactly where to get a suit like that, or how to ask for one.”

It’s the day before Frankie’s big party! Her Mum has set up the decorations, her brother has made the delicious food, her sister the invitations, now all that’s left is the most important part -  to choose her outfit! But Frankie doesn’t like any of her dresses or even her favourite jumper. They just are not what she wants to wear to her party. She dreams up the perfect suit to wear, but doubts her dream of the most spectacular outfit will work out, especially the day before the party. But maybe her family can help?

The illustrations and colours are what first caught my eye with this newest book to our collection, and the story was just as unique and bright! Frankie doesn’t know how to ask for what she wants, because she doesn’t know how. No one has ever shown her that other options are there or how to ask for them. This is a great jumping off point to show kids how they can ask for things they might be nervous or curious about. Parents can learn too! Perhaps we’ve forgotten to give out kids options with their clothes, toys, or other things we might accidently default to due to societal norms.

(Note: I honestly want my own suit like Frankie’s, it’s so cool!)

and

Hurry Up! A Book about Slowing Down

Written by Kate Dopirak
Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

Hurry Up

Hurry up! Hurry Down! Hurry round and round and round!

This little boy has to rush, rush, rush! Have to get to school, have to do your homework, have to walk the dog, have to keep on hurrying, because life is just SO busy! But what happens when he slows down? Takes a moment to look around at the trees, in the sky, or in his heart?

This books invites children to communicate and discover words for how busy their lives can be, and help them find a way to help relieve some of that stress. Most importantly, I think it is a great tool for parents to evaluate how busy their child’s life can be. Have we allowed them time to just be? Did we squeeze in one-to-many playdates, or have we been rushing them through the shops? A child can only control so much in their tiny world, and often they can’t control how busy their family is, but aware parents can help see and make time for their child’s needs (when they are able, sometimes we parents have no control over our own busy lives!), whether that’s more time to look at the bugs, or just letting that cuddle last a liiiiiitle bit longer.