I read a blog post on Endpapers on the blog, Picture Book Den which got me thinking about some of my favourites.

Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett – every page in this book is a visual treat.

Handa’s Surprise by Eileen Brown – I like having the recap of the animals & fruit

Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen illustrated by Helen Oxenbury – the bear looks so sad, I’m pretty sure he only wanted to be friends.

Walk in London by Salvatore – we had a walk in London based on the book & Bryn also collected some souvenirs.

The Octonauts and the Sea of Shade by Meomi – I like the wallpaper look & the witty take on the story

You Can’t Eat a Princess by Gillian Rogerson illustrated by Sarah McIntyre – so many delicious cakes to choose from

The King of Space by Jonny Duddle – you can’t go wrong with some crossing out

Cops and Robbers by Janet & Allen Ahlberg – still looking for Grandma Swag

And finally just because I love peacocks

Anasi & the Sky God by Ladybird

Have you got any favourites to share?

There’s a new publisher in town with a suitcase full of the most stunningly visual books.

Big Picture Press, publishing as an imprint of Templar, “believe books should be visually intelligent, surprising and accessible to all readers of all ages, abilities and nationalities. Our books are objects to be pored over and then returned to, again and again…created by and made for the incurably curious”

I have been staring at my screen for most the evening pouring over the PDFs of some of the titles and was left in no doubt that there are some exciting books heading this way.

All the books have a high degree of style and sophistication which I imagine will be enjoyed by all the family.

The book I was most attracted to was ‘The Goods by McSweeney’s’ The book is crammed with “comics, puzzles and other diversions, created by a constellation of children’s books’ brightest stars”. I personally liked the way the pages are tightly packed with lots to do and reminded me of the kids supplement in the weekend paper when I was a child (although I suspect this will be of much higher quality). This is one I want for myself am not sure I will be willing to share.

I imagine Bryn would find ‘Maps by Aleksandra and Daniel Mizielinski’ fascinating, “52 highly illustrated maps, full of details and curiosities” its bound to spark lots of questions. For a closer look at the world, ‘Walk this World by Lotta Nieminen’ provides beautiful street scenes of different cities and with 80 flaps to open, Bryn will have competition from his sister for this one.

So if you are looking for something a little different I’d recommend taking a look at what Big Picture Press has to offer

We had a lovely morning in Hay on Sunday, this was Bryn’s 3rd visit to the festival & was another successful trip.

Our main reason for visiting was to hear the fabulous Clara Vulliamy read from her latest book written by James Mayhew, ‘Bubble & Squeak’

Bubble & Squeak is a deliciously sweet book, to find out more about the book check out these lovely reviews over on Playing By The Book & Story Seekers.

Clara started the session by drawing the 2 protagonist, & went on to read the charming story to a captivated audience. After the excitement of the story we were directed to tables adorned with pink felt mouse noses, beautiful ribbons, colourful buttons and felt to make our own mouse puppets. Bryn and Freya had great fun making their creations and love having their very own ‘Squeak’

We then headed over to the bookshop to get our mitts on the book and were in store for more treats. As well as getting the book signed we were given a bag with Bon bons, stickers & bubbles.

The rest of the morning was spent blowing bubbles, eating ice-cream, sitting on hay, colouring in & enjoying being part of the lovely literary festival that is Hay