So we have had a busy week making lots of virtual friends and being inspired by loads of creative businesses making and selling beautiful things. Thank you to everyone who has followed us on Twitter and Instagram and those kind people who Like us on Facebook, we have had some great feedback from the publishing industry too which is lovely. With so much happening I thought I would round up my favourite new books as we have had a few deliveries recently. Essentially they are all new as the site is so fresh-faced, but any remaining pennies I had have gone into some new stock because I couldn't resist.
First up is the second book from the super talented Benjamin Chaud, The Bear's Sea Escape. I could actually stare at the illustrations all day but that would be foolish as who would want to miss the brilliant story that is perfect for bedtime reading. At the risk of sounding a bit odd, I love the size of this book as much as the contents. Standing very tall, it has a substance to it that goes beyond the majority of picture books, it just feels like it delivers unexpected greatness in lots of ways. The tale takes you on a journey to a tropical island with Papa Bear eager to find Little Bear on every page, a great move on from the old 'Where's Wally' formula. I reckon this is great for 3-5 yr olds but even younger ones can engage with it all the same. Benjamin Chaud, The Bear's Sea Escape, £11.99.
Now we turn to a title that was published towards the end of last year by Chronicle Books, Telephone by bestselling author Mac Barnett and illustrator Jen Corace. When I first started ordering for Smallprint, Telephone wasn't on my short list (it was very short) because I know my daughter finds certain books frustrating and I thought this might be one of them. A mother bird gives the bird next to her a message for little Peter, to come home for dinner. But passing messages on a telephone line isn't as simple as it sounds. Each subsequent bird understands Mama's message according to its own very particular hobbies so the message ends up skewed in a hilarious Chinese whispers sort of way. Bess is quite particular and fastidious about things making sense so I imagined her frustration that everything was getting muddled. It turns out I grossly underestimated her imagination as she was giggling away at the silliness of this story so we now have Telephone pride of place in our living room. Telephone, Mac Barnett and Jen Corace, £10.99.
Lastly for today I have picked a favourite colour book because I am proud of our collection, it was hard to find special books for young babies! We had heaps of simple baby books that we were given for our kids and some have lasted as favourites, others parted company at the charity shop, but I was never overwhelmed at how beautiful they were. Sure they are functional and teach the littlest of minds about words and pictures, but why can't they also be stunningly illustrated. 'Colours' by Aino-Maija Metsola is just that, a tactile learning book that is so pretty and vivid that I am sold on it too. Simple imagery, lots of different shades of lovely colours, flaps to lift and little fun interactive questions, this book doesn't leave any of the style behind when it comes to putting learning and development in the spotlight. We love it! Colours, Aino-Maija Metsola, £8.99.
Thanks for reading and watch this space, I have some big ideas for content and can't wait to pull together some insightful and inspiring waffle for you to read.
