Book Reviews: Boom Buddies

We invited our Boom Buddy Families to share a favourite book with the rest of our Boom community. Here are their picks!

Kim – The Shawver Family

Building Site Sounds

by Sam Taplin (0-2 years)

We found this book on a recent trip to Alfreton library and it was an instant hit! It tells a short story of building a house and has two touch-activated sounds per page such as demolition, cranes, drilling and, Emerson's personal favourite, the saw! He quickly got the hang of identifying and touching the sound buttons and frequently brings me this book to sit and read. We'll definitely be getting more of these from the Usborne collection!

Bethan – The Yallop Family

Little Acorn

by Melanie Joyce (3-6 years)

This is a lovely rhyming story telling you about the life cycle of an acorn becoming an oak tree. It has beautiful and bright illustrations showing children (and adults) the wonders of nature. My little ones loved learning about the life of an acorn and how other animals are a part of that journey. 

Clare – The P Family

The Lost Words: A Spell Book

by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris (age 4+)

An A4-sized hardback poetry book that was created in response to a popular children’s dictionary removing certain everyday nature words because they weren't being used enough. Inspiring and enchanting, it’s a celebration of creatures and plants. The beautiful watercolour illustrations add even more charm to this must-have book.

Steph

The Girl of Ink and Stars

by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (age 9-12)

Isabella lives on the island of Joya with her father, a cartographer. She’s forbidden to leave her home town but, when her best friend disappears, she sets out into the dangerous unknown, armed with a map and a myth. A beautifully-written story of courage, friendship and adventure which my year 6 class loved.

Weronika – The Allan Family

Foraging: The Complete Guide for Kids and Families

by Stella and Dane De Luca Mulandiee (all ages)

If you're looking to encourage your children to go for long walks - look no longer! This book is a comprehensive and child-friendly guide to foraging that includes quests and culinary challenges. Full of pictures and detailed descriptions, it will add so much joy to your nature walks!

Hannah – The Adamson Family

The Happiest Ever After

by Milly Johnson (adult)

I’m a firm believer in ‘everything happens for a reason’ and, for me, that’s the message in this book. After hitting her head, Polly loses her memory and thinks she is the main character in the novel she was writing. The book follows her journey to finding her old life and true self! A delightful read with the happiest ever after!