Bloomsbury are publishing some lovely chapter books for their Bloomsbury Readers series this month. I was lucky to read two of them through NetGalley.
In My Other Life, Mae's life is full of trips to the hospital for her asthma. She worried that it is the only thing that defines her, and that it makes life harder for everyone around her. When mysterious portals begin to appear, she discovers an alternative life that isn't at all what she expected.
This chapter book is a great representation of childhood asthma, which lots of children will be able to relate to. It's a great way to discuss chronic illness both with children who experience it, and those who don't. Mae's adventures through the portal help her to learn that something that makes you, you, could have huge implications on your life if it vanished.
This is also a lovely story on the importance of family and friendship. It's the right level for readers gaining in confidence to read alone and there's lots to discuss, so it would work well in a school setting.
In The Story Thief. clever Anansi is determined to make the sky god share his chest of stories with the world below him. He sets her a series of impossible tasks, but Anansi is more than a match for them thanks to her quick thinking and trickery.
This chapter book is perfect for emerging readers gaining in confidence. It has a clear format and a good range of vocabulary. Young readers will love Anansi's clever tricks and there's lots to think about and discuss as you go through.
Sara Ugolotti's illustrations are really lovely and bring the words to life.
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