It’s vital that children see themselves and their cultures represented in books. That is why publishers like Lantana Publishing are so important. I’m thrilled to have two of their lead Spring titles to share with you.

Nimesh the Adventurer by Ranjit Singh, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini (available April 2018)

For Nimesh, even the journey home from school can be turned into an exciting adventure. Proof that when sharp powers of observation and a keen imagination meet, the results can be unexpected to say the least! Sharks swimming in the corridors? Princesses in gardens? Nimesh sees them all!

A really clever story written in a conversational style, where the reader can look for clues and guess what Nimesh is going to discover next. The format would lend itself beautifully to being reinvented by other children based on their own walks home from school.

Iranian-born Mehrdokht Amini’s full-colour, collage-style illustrations leap off the page and vividly depict the world of Nimesh’s imagination.

An ode to the awe-inspiring power of a child’s imagination.

You’re Safe With Me by Chitra Soundar and Poonam Mistry (available May 2018)

’When the moon rises high and the stars twinkle, it is bedtime for the animals of the Indian forest.’ And so begins a soothing lullaby of a story with serene Mama Elephant calming the baby animals of the jungle as Mother Nature unleashes a storm around them.  Lightning cracks and the wind moans but Mama Elephant reassures: ‘You’re safe with me.’

A gorgeous bedtime story which reads like a tale from Indian folklore. With Mama Elephant explaining the causes of the noise and turbulence of a storm, described in vivid onomatopoeic language, listeners will be shushed and soothed along with the baby animals.  The intricate illustrations use an earthy palette and designs reminiscent of traditional Indian designs which further add to the folkloric feel of the book.

A very special book indeed.

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to Lantana Publishing for sending me these beautiful books to read*