Here are some of Minipreneur’s favourite children’s books this spring from Quarto. Quarto make beautiful books that educate, entertain and enrich the lives of children all over the world.
The Thing at 52 by Ross Montgomery & Richard Johnson
Written by Ross Montgomery and illustrated by Richard Johnson, The Thing at 52 is a poignant and enchanting tale that explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the power of community. When a young girl discovers a mysterious creature living at number 52, she extends a simple act of kindness by offering him a flower. This small gesture blossoms into a heartwarming friendship as they embark on magical adventures together. As the girl learns more about the gentle and kind creature, she realizes that there are many more like him scattered throughout the world.
Through the girl’s initiative, she brings together all the creatures for a joyous celebration, highlighting the importance of inclusion and camaraderie. However, their time together is fleeting, and the girl must come to terms with the inevitable parting. This picture book beautifully illustrates how acts of kindness can lead to profound connections and how the bonds formed within a community can provide solace during difficult times.
With its enchanting illustrations and touching narrative, the book sparks meaningful discussions about empathy, loss, and the transformative power of friendship. Ross Montgomery’s heartfelt storytelling and Richard Johnson’s captivating artwork combine to create a moving and memorable tale that will resonate with readers of all ages. This enchanting story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the enduring impact of even the smallest acts of kindness.
£7.99 (paperback) published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
One Little Word by Joseph Coelho & Alison Colpoys
One Little Word by Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Alison Colpoys is a poignant and relatable story that explores the impact of arguments on friendship and the power of reconciliation. Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho weaves a tale of two best friends torn apart by a hairy monster of an argument that grows larger with each passing moment. Despite their attempts to ignore, yell, or name-call the argument away, it persists, casting a shadow over their relationship.
Through Coelho’s lyrical verse and Colpoys’ classic illustrations, readers are taken on a journey of emotional turmoil and resolution as the friends discover the power of a simple word: sorry. This heartfelt story serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of communication, understanding, and forgiveness in maintaining strong and lasting friendships.
This is not just a book about resolving conflicts; it’s a celebration of the enduring bonds of friendship and the healing power of empathy and reconciliation. Coelho and Colpoys’ collaboration beautifully captures the complexities of childhood relationships and offers a comforting and reassuring message about the resilience of friendship in the face of adversity. This charming picture book is sure to resonate with young readers and adults alike, reminding us all of the significance of extending a hand of forgiveness and understanding, even in the midst of disagreement.
£7.99 (paperback) published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Courage Out Loud: 25 Poems of Power by Joseph Coelho & Daniel Gray-Barnett
Written by Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett, Courage Out Loud is a captivating collection of verses that empowers young readers to find their inner strength and embrace their unique voices. As the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Coelho delivers 25 bold and inspiring poems crafted to comfort and uplift children, encouraging them to be true to themselves and face challenges with courage and resilience.
In this third read-aloud poetry book by Coelho, readers are treated to a variety of verses that celebrate bravery, happiness, and the power of self-expression. From odes to personal mantras, each poem in this collection serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience that lie within every child. Through Coelho’s masterful use of language and verse, children are encouraged to explore the magic of poetry and develop a lifelong love for literature.
Accompanied by Daniel Gray-Barnett’s witty and charming illustrations, this book of poems comes to life in a vibrant and engaging way, making it accessible and appealing to young readers. Whether reading aloud at home or in the classroom, this anthology provides a versatile and valuable resource for sparking discussions about boundaries, emotions, and the importance of friendship. Courage Out Loud is more than just a poetry collection; it’s a testament to the power of words to inspire, uplift, and empower young minds.
£7.99 (paperback) published by Wide Eyed Editions
I Love Books by Mariajo Ilustrajo
Created by award-winning author-illustrator Mariajo Ilustrajo, this is a delightful tale that celebrates the magic of discovering the enchanting world of books for the first time. With vibrant illustrations and an engaging narrative, this book is perfect for children who may be reluctant readers, as it opens their eyes to the wonders that lie within the pages of a book.
In this captivating story, young readers follow a young girl who initially dislikes reading but is introduced to the joys of books by her sister. As she delves into the pages of a magical tale, she is transported to a world of adventure and imagination, where even the mundane becomes extraordinary. Through her journey, she learns the power of her own imagination and the transformative effect that stories can have on one’s perspective.
I Love Books is a heartwarming and inspiring picture book that encourages children to embrace the joy of reading and storytelling. With its engaging storyline and vibrant illustrations, it captivates readers of all ages, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for the magic of books. This charming tale is sure to ignite a love of reading in young hearts and minds, transforming “I Hate Books” into “I Love Books” with every turn of the page.
£12.99 (hardback) published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
The Secret Life of Bugs by Moira Butterfield & Vivian Mineker
The Secret Life of Bugs written by Moira Butterfield and beautifully illustrated by Vivian Mineker is a captivating exploration of the fascinating world of insects, designed to inspire young readers to appreciate and care for the environment around them. Through delightful stories and engaging facts, Luna the ladybird guides readers on a journey to discover the diverse habitats, behaviours, and folklore of bugs from around the globe.
From teeny tiny featherwing beetles to the largest goliath beetles, readers will learn about the incredible diversity of bug life and the amazing things these creatures can do, such as flying high and disguising themselves. Alongside captivating tales from insect folklore, Luna imparts valuable lessons about the importance of protecting bugs and their habitats in the face of threats like pollution and climate change.
With sumptuous and detailed illustrations that blend natural history with a touch of fantasy, this is a magical book that invites readers to explore and appreciate the beauty of every living thing, no matter how small. As part of the acclaimed Secret Life series, this book encourages children to develop a lifelong love of nature and a sense of responsibility towards the world around them.
£12.99 (hardback) published by Happy Yak
Lizzy and the Cloud by The Fan Brothers
Created by the acclaimed Fan Brothers, Lizzy and the Cloud spins a whimsical yarn about a young girl’s bond with her unusual pet cloud, Milo. In this delicately illustrated picture book, Lizzy’s unconventional choice sparks a heartwarming tale of companionship and the bittersweet journey of letting go. As Milo grows larger and ventures beyond Lizzy’s control, the story gracefully unfolds, exploring themes of change and the courage to release what we hold dear when the time is right.
With his signature enchanting artwork, Terry Fan brings Milo and Lizzy’s adventures to life, capturing the essence of childhood wonder and resilience. As Milo’s presence looms larger in Lizzy’s life, Eric Fan’s narrative gently navigates the poignant moments of separation and acceptance, delivering a poignant lesson on the beauty of embracing change. Lizzy and the Cloud is a tender ode to growth, friendship, and the profound wisdom of knowing when to bid farewell.
This delightful tale resonates with readers of all ages, offering a touching exploration of love, loss, and the transformative power of letting go. The book encourages children to embrace life’s inevitable changes with grace and courage, making it a timeless addition to any young reader’s bookshelf. With its heartfelt storytelling and evocative illustrations, this enchanting picture book is sure to captivate hearts and spark meaningful conversations about the beauty of new beginnings.
£7.99 (paperback) published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
Here Be Giants by Susannah Lloyd & Paddy Donnelly
Here Be Giants invites young readers on a rollicking adventure alongside a hapless knight as he embarks on a daring quest to find a giant. Written by Susannah Lloyd and brought to life by Paddy Donnelly’s vibrant illustrations, this uproarious tale promises laughter and excitement at every turn. Armed with a fortuitous find – a guidebook on spotting giants – the knight and his trusty steed journey through towering beanstalks and mysterious mountains in search of their colossal quarry.
As the knight’s quest unfolds, young readers are treated to a delightful blend of humour and suspense, with each page brimming with anticipation and excitement. Lloyd’s engaging narrative keeps readers eagerly turning pages, while Donnelly’s dynamic artwork captures the whimsy and adventure of the knight’s journey. With its ‘he’s behind you!’ feel, the book delivers laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming lessons about courage and perseverance.
Perfect for young adventurers and fans of fantastical tales, this new picture book is a joyous celebration of imagination and the thrill of embarking on daring quests. Lloyd and Donnelly have crafted a delightful sequel that will captivate readers with its humour, charm, and larger-than-life characters. Get ready to join the hapless knight on his most perilous adventure yet – a quest filled with giants, laughter, and unexpected discoveries.
£7.99 (paperback) published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
