posted on 24 Jun 2021

10 Stories To Make A Difference

I was delighted to receive two examples of books published by the children’s literature development agency Pop Up . This excellent not-for-profit organisation has apparently been in existence for 10 years and worked with many writers, illustrators and designers to ensure top quality editions. The design agency Baxter and Bailey has donated the design and branding for this impressive collection which ‘reflects a collective will for inclusion in the industry both in the content of the books… the choice of writers and illustrators … with an emphasis on nurturing and empowering new under- represented voices’.  

Magnificent! By Laura Dockrill, illustrated by Ria Dastidar

The lively, colourful and surreal illustrations by Ria Dastidoar eloquently sum up the feelings of being an outsider and watching others have fun. Surely all of us can relate to moments of feeling embarrassed and tongue tied in some social situations? Being the new kid in school is never easy and I particularly liked the double page spread showing the child watching three others jammed together as they evidently enjoy playing on the big slide together

 ‘When the world moves like a school of silver fish

            And to blend in seems like the only way’.

I also liked the way in which the experience of being the odd-one-out can be constructive. This story shows that it can help individuals to reach out to others who might feel strange:

‘Like a bandaged-up thumb, or a hard math sum;

           Out of time, out of date, out of place’.

The joy of connecting with others and recognising that people have different characteristics, backgrounds and interests is one that is a strong feature of learning to live together harmoniously. I can see how this little book could contribute to some interesting discussion between children and adults at home and school.

Here Be Monsters by Jay Hulme, illustrated by Sahar Haghgoo

These beautiful illustrations are influenced by Iranian miniatures, old tales and theatre. I loved the way they suffuse every page and embrace the text. The unusual creature is born underwater and then grows to an extraordinary length as she swims far out to sea. At first she tries to identify with other sea creatures but to no avail. She becomes so huge that she eventually becomes a much feared island – the legendary terrain that used to appear on ancient sea charts as ‘Here be Monsters’. Apart from the clear messages about difference, discrimination and exclusion, this special story could promote plenty of discussion and research into old maps and the fascinating history of sea faring and exploration.  

As the painful lonely years pass by she begins to feel that she will never be happy and recognised for what she is. But there is a positive development when she is found by her mother and realises that she is really a creature of the sky, not the ocean:

     ‘It’s said that as she lifted up,

            and left the sea for good,

she sang a song that shook the skies,

     and caused the land to flood.

      The words are unrecorded,

   perhaps for there were none,

for sometimes words cannot express

          joy, when joy has won’.

Beautiful – I can’t wait to share it with my six year old grand- daughter and see how she responds.

It is great to see that a similar collection will be published every year, and I am already looking forward to seeing the new titles. 

 

Karen Argent

 June  2021