Pickles in the Library

Not really a book haul, more a 'haulito'. Planning my summer reading. Here are 3 of the books on my TBR pile.

This book is ideal for fans of 's The One and Only Ivan’ series, Odder and Wombat Waiting, as well as 's Last Bear series. Middle grade readers will, I'm sure, love this unlikely friendship between a rescue dog and an orphaned cheetah. A beautiful friendship story which children will enjoy, as well as learning that sometimes, like Finnegan, you have to face your demons, talk about them , and trust your friends. It’s about self love and letting others in. Powerful messages for adults and children alike. Jasmine Warga is a great writer and I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read of hers so far, including "Other Words for Home" and "A Rover's Story."

As a generally anxious person, I could relate so much with this book - although I realise I suffer very mild anxiety compared to the main character. Rob Harrell’s books ,like Popcorn and Wink, are perfect middle grade books for nurturing empathy - in children and adults. Popcorn’s has many themes of not only anxiety and OCD, but also bullying, caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, and dealing with divorce. It’s a well told, well paced story that I’m sure my students will connect to, to some degree, on a personal level. I cried, I sympathised, I empathised, I felt a connection. I also felt very thankful that my anxiety levels are nowhere near the same! A great read that I recommend wholeheartedly.

A perfect book for our students in Mumbai, many of whom have visited National Parks eagerly searching for tigers. Children will love this story of animal lovers, Ro and Meera, as they search for the Queen of the tigers, Arya and her cubs. Readers will learn so much about tiger conservation by the Indian government and communities in India. Readers will also learn about the threats facing tigers in India, mainly poaching and businesses, in this case mining, encroaching on their habitat. A highly engaging story which would make a great read aloud, with so much to discuss about conservation and advocacy. If you enjoy this book don't forget to also try "Thirst" also set in India.

Simple tips but good to keep in mind.

Have always enjoyed .kelkar ’s books, especially “American as Paneer Pie” and “Strong as Fire, Fierce as a Flame”, so was looking forward to reading her latest. This Middle Grade illustrated novel was written in collaboration with , an unexpected partnership, just like the one that revolves between Roohi and Nate. This book is an ode to librarians, so what’s not to love? It’s about loving books and the power and opportunity books, and book clubs, give to think differently and give a sense of belonging. With themes close to my heart how could I not love and recommend this book? I also LOVE books told in 2 voices, or multiple voices, like “Save me a Seat” or “Because of Mr Terupt” and really enjoyed the different perspectives. I listened to the book on so didn’t get to see all the amazing illustrations, but look forward to rereading the book when it arrives at ASB ES Library in Mumbai.

This was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Such a well written, gut wrenching, creative story. So much for me to connect with, from the smallest details of jollof rice and kuli kuli,(reminding me of my time in Nigeria) to the biggest and most important themes of loss and family. Such a powerful book that had me sobbing and sobbing this morning as I just had to finish it. Recommended for book loving adults everywhere, as well as Middle Schoolers upwards. Will definitely be reading more from

A huge thank you to and for their excellent performance of ‘I hate my hat!” by Mary Ann Hoberman for yesterday. I thought the hats were great and the performances even better!

Blessed to have 3 weeks to catch up on my TBR list. Finally got to read the books on the bottom row that had all been collecting dust on my bookshelf for months. I loved ‘Dream Count’ and it took me back to days living in Nigeria and all the Nigerians I have taught and known. I enjoyed reflecting on the myriad of relationships portrayed, and how the four main characters searched to love others & to be loved. Equally, ‘Butter’ took me back in living in Yokohama & I can see I missed out on a lot of fabulous Japanese dishes. Like anyone who reads it I now desperately want to eat rice covered with French butter and soy sauce. As a non cook, much like Rika at the beginning of the book, some of long-winded culinary descriptions I skipped, but I did find the car crash of the relationship between Rika & Manako fascinating and couldn’t put the book down. ‘Anxious Generation’ confirmed everything we know about children, screens and social media and I look forward to sharing some of the research with my students.

‘Teacher of Nomadland’ is a children’s historical fiction novel set in WW2. I loved reading this story of two orphans who run off to follow in their late father’s footsteps, to teach nomads in Iran as the war rages on, & Britain and Russia are in a power struggle to control the oil in Iran (some things in global politics never change it seems!) I really enjoyed the story of the brother and sister and the Polish refugee they meet. It is fascinating to learn more about how countries like Iran (and India) took in Polish Jewish refugees during the war. Living in India I find books on Partition fascinating and loved ‘Lion of the Sky’, the story of Raj who has to leave his best friend, and kite flying partner, Iqbal, and his home in Sind province, which is destined to become part of Pakistan. A beautifully told drama of how Raj finds the courage and strength needed to help his family heal and survive the traumas they have to go through. And finally ‘The Penderwicks’, just a beautifully simple story of four sisters, a boy and a dog and how they try and navigate summer and overbearing adults!

A fabulous holiday of reading.

Special thanks to Tanja for recommending ‘Butter’ and ‘The Teacher of Nomad Land’

Some great titles here, many of which I’m pleased to say I’ve read. I realise though that we don’t have a lot of these in our current library so will defintely be adding some of these to my next order!

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Go on a Bookish Adventure! https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/middle-grade-books-set-around-the-world/