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Review post: we were sent these items for the purposes of this review. However, all opinions and thoughts are our own.
With World Book Day around the corner, what better timing to share a new way to enjoy books? We were recently offered the chance to review Moonlite – a storytelling experience with a difference – and as we have two little bookworms who love to read, I was keen to get involved.
I’m sure anyone with a three-year-old right now has a deep knowledge of a certain boy and his team of pups. Darcie fell in love with the PAW Patrol when she was around 2 and it doesn’t look like it’s showing signs of easing any time soon. So, when the team at Penwizard got in contact to let us know they had a new personalised book – your child’s adventures with the PAW Patrol – coming onto the market this past July, I knew a certain little girl who would be captivated.
She already loves books – something that I am so proud of – and I hope her love of books is something that she keeps as she grows up. Some of her favourites already include a few PAW Patrol adventures, so I knew that adding her into the story would be an instant winner.
For anyone that follows the blog, you know that I love books. This love is something that both my children seem to have inherited and I couldn’t be more pleased about that. This year we will be sharing some of our favourite childrens books with you. The ones that have been tried, tested and read over and over (and over!) again, and are the ones we really adore. Then, in an effort to help you bring those stories alive, we will also be sharing a toddler / pre-school friendly craft to make alongside the book.
This month it’s the turn of Ten Little Dinosaurs.
I’m very lucky that both my children love stories. We have a playroom, a living room and two bedrooms overflowing with books and (as a reader myself) I could not be more proud. One thing we do indulge in without much restriction is books. They both have their favourites and they love nothing more than sitting down and reading through them. Something we do daily. Therefore, I’m going to start sharing some of our favourites along with a little craft activity to help you bring the story to life.
First up we have Julia Donaldson. I can guantee that if you have a toddler, you’ve come across at least one Julia Donaldson book! Think Room on a Broom, The Gruffalo and Cave Baby. The Bear got a set of 10 Julia Donaldson books for Christmas and by far, her favourite is The Paper Dolls.
Dreaming the Bear by Mimi Thebo
Darcy’s life was never exactly simple, but it was about to become a lot more complicated.
Recovering from a distressing illness in her parents’ cabin surrounded by looming pine trees, Darcy spends most of her days alone, warming herself by the log fire. That is, until she ventures into the woods hours before a heavy snowstorm, and finds herself face-to-face with a grizzly bear. Their encounter takes a surprising turn when it flourishes into a warm and caring companionship.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of the snowy Yellowstone National Park in Montana, Mimi Thebo’s poetic tale inspires compassion and friendship, sensitively focusing on how the seemingly impossible can become the achievable.
VERDICT – 5/5 stars – I loved it !
This was a library impulse borrow mainly because I liked the cover….I know I know but what can I say, the blue and the bear caught my eye. Technically a 9+ book, I actually think the themes are pretty complicated for children so I’d say this is an 11+ book in my opinion. However, as an adult I took a lot from it.
Utterly compelling it is beautifully written and you get a real sense of the complex emotions experienced by a teenage girl; sometimes overly simple, sometimes extremely complex the book addresses teenage petulance, the family dichotomy and relationships in an open and honest way you cannot help but relate to. Darcy’s connection to the bear is beautiful as it is a relationship that they both need at that time and it is written with a style that leaves the reader hungry for more. However, this connection in itself brings with it issues and I love that the book does not shy away from the impact forming this kind of relationship with a bear can have.
A complete page turner I read this in a single sitting as I just could not put it down and before I knew it ‘one more chapter’ turned into the entire book. Would definitely recommend.