Lantana Publishing is best known for producing diverse titles which represent the many realities in which their readers live. In light of the current cost of living crisis, The Playdate will certainly help open up some interesting conversations about the different circumstances people find themselves living in.

“For one little girl, the prospect of a playdate at her friend Henry’s house fills her with excitement. To get to Henry’s house, they have to take a bus, then the underground, then change to another line, then a bus, and then walk for a bit, but it’s worth it because Henry’s house has millions of rooms to hide in and hundreds of toys to play with.

But while the text tells one story, the illustrations slowly reveal another. As the kids tear around the house enjoying each other’s company, their mums experience the playdate very differently. Soon we find that the little girl and her friend Henry live lives that are poles apart.”

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This beautifully illustrated story sensitively explores the friendship of two young children from very different socio-economic backgrounds. Although the friends seem largely unaware of their differences the illustrations and actions of the adults suggest otherwise.

Through exploring the dual narrative of pictures and text, readers will soon spot the places where two different stories are being told. Whilst the girl is excited to play with her friend, her mum can be seen carrying a hoover. When the pair are offered a meal, mum says they’ve brought sandwiches. This all hints towards the fact that the girl’s mother is in fact being paid as a cleaner by the boy’s mother.

I would use this book across a primary school to encourage children to think about the different home lives people have. There is certainly plenty of rich discussion to be had with younger and older readers, building their skills of inference and empathy.

Jo.

*Many thanks to Lantana Publishing for sending me this title to review*