by Kim Hillyard
Published by Ladybird Books
Penguin Random House UK
Yoo hoo, everyone! Gretel invites us to read this story right from the first moment we see the cover!
The artwork is fabulous. The bold visual statement & its selective colour palette combine beautifully to create a gorgeous design.
This is a wonderful, positive picture book from award-winning author & illustrator Kim Hillyard.
While a picture book is usually a super fun story with attractive pictures, this one also approaches the topic of anxiety.
This can be a very tricky subject to talk about, especially for children. They'll have uncomfortable feelings but have no idea how to understand them or tell anyone.
As with adults, youngsters will often feel they need to pretend everything is ok.
Gretel feels some time alone might be less stressful than some busy interactions. Alone time can be great but it's not always a realistic solution. Feeling lonely isn't much fun.
With kind friends helping out, Gretel finds the strength to be brave & talk about things.
Hillyard's style keeps our attention with real-life issues. The story offers real possibilities & could easily invite positive, meaningful conversations in any child/adult/friend situation.
With superb illustrations, this book is an enjoyable way to explore feelings & emotions.
It has also been popular with members of the reading MiniClub (for junior chaemo patients). The youngsters have enjoyed reading it aloud to each other, medical staff & to new members.
100% loved & recommended.