The stories offer a wide variety of sources of hope, but all are based on genuine scientific solutions, from geoengineering in Oisín McGann’s ‘Eyeballs, Tentacles and Teeth’ to rooftop farming in Tọlá Okogwu’s ‘Saving Olumide’. Importantly, however, in each case, scientific progress is only able to make a difference when coupled with human actions. This point is frequently underlined in the helpful editor’s notes after each story, in which James explains the science in a little more fully but also talks about small changes that readers can make in their own lives.

All the stories appear to be set in the future, and the authors deftly establish their settings with some concise and economical world-building to immerse in each new reality. One of my favourite stories was Neal and Brendan Shusterman’s ‘Dust Devil’, in which Zak is sent to a Juvenile Retention Centre to repay his carbon debt after an accidental house fire, offering a clever twist on many popular dystopian novels. Other stories use the conventions of different genres, including romance and even a story in comic-book form by Louie Stowell.

Although the stories they are hopeful, they are not overly utopian but are instead realistic about the compromises humans will need to make in the future, and the continued existence of factors like human greed. Another story I loved was Rebecca Lim’s ‘The Lighthouse Keeper’s Garden’ in which we see the toll that flooding has taken on a small coastal town in Australia, but also the way that the community has adapted to this and worked together to promote biodiversity. Meanwhile, ‘The Drongo’s Call’ by Bijal Vachharajani shows the effects of over-fertilization on traditional Indian farms, but again offers an alternative in the form of intercropping.

The stories seem cater to a variety of different ages: M. G. Leonard’s ‘Food of the Future’, about a sustainable cookery competition, and L. R. Lam’s ‘The Invisible Girl and the Impossible Otter’, about a school trip to Orkney, would be great to use in KS2; by contrast, ‘Float’ by Eli Brown feels much more suitable for a YA audience, both in terms of its complexity and the maturity of some its content (for instance, a glancing reference to recreational drug use). So, while some younger secondary readers might enjoy exploring the whole collection, it is most likely that teachers will want to choose individual stories to appeal to their classes: they would all lead to rich discussions with great potential for cross-curricular links. In addition to the editor’s notes on each story, James has also included discussion questions, advice on how to live more sustainably, suggested further reading and a glossary, all of which might aid teachers in deepening children’s exploration of the issues presented.

In her afterword, James writes that ‘even if it feels like we’re facing a time of disaster, there are so many bright and glorious possibilities for our future’. This is a book which is honest about the situation we are in now, whilst remaining optimistic for the future. It certainly helped me to imagine a more hopeful future, and I’m sure it will do the same for many young readers.

The post Future Hopes: Hopeful Stories in a Time of Climate Change first appeared on Just Imagine.

During my own school days, book corners and libraries contained stories about blonde, blue-eyed kids who lived idyllic middle-class family lives and children of my background would struggle to identify with the characters.  Moreover, none of these stories would be the mirrors, windows and sliding doors (Rudine Sims Bishop) that children of colour would need to read to open up their imaginations; meaning that generations would fail to see reading as the pleasurable pastime that it should be. In later years, although more representative literature about Black families has appeared, it usually depicts crime-ridden, dysfunctional lifestyles.

What makes Happy Here different, is that each work is joyful and provides happy endings. More than that, each narrative invents relatable characters that fall out with their friends, go on family holidays, solve pretend crimes or struggle with their sexualities.  The thing that is so extraordinary about this book is that it writes about ordinary life and its readers will begin to see themselves appear within the books available to them.

The illustrations are my favourite part of the book as they show what the characters look like. My personal favourites are Dean Atta’s poem ‘Asha is a rockstar and ‘A House Like No Other ‘ by Alexandra Shepperd as they describe the cultural and physical identities of their protagonist’s in great detail.

Each tale is brilliant but sometimes, there is no reference to the character being black other than in the illustrations. I wonder whether this was done to appeal to a mainstream audience, or did the authors perhaps not feel it necessary to refer to identity in detail.  Am I adopting a white privileged viewpoint or is the book perhaps not as visibly diverse as it could be? Nevertheless, it will appeal to many children who had not previously been seen between book covers.

The book will appeal to readers from 7 years old upwards and I would like to see schools including it in book displays, using it in reading lessons and getting pupils to produce work as a result of enjoying it. Happy Here is a great book for bedtime stories as well as a building block for literacy activities within the classroom.

The post Happy Here first appeared on Just Imagine.

Chitra, as always finds a way to make the everyday and mundane seem interesting and readable. In story one, we see Jay desperately wanting to be able to do things that he is still too small to do. Story two tells us of a trip to their grandparent’s house. Jay is consumed with worry, as he has lost Grandad’s story dragon. In story three, we find out about their favourite food -Dhosa. Then finally, in the last story the boys protest to get their local library re-opened.

This book is full of special family moments and offers glimpses into Indian culture too. The emphasis on the family leaves young readers with a warm and comforting feeling of contentment. A glossary at the end, provides explanations for the odd Hindi word that is used. It is perfect for fans of Too Small Tola and the Sona Sharma stories. I would highly recommend it as a read aloud for Year One, to help them get used to listening to stories with less pictures.

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Each story can stand alone and each tale has its own flavour and quality. One tells of a community whose fight escalates from dogs snarling over a bone to become a bloodthirsty clan battle. At the beginning, it is almost ludicrous but the consequences are dire. Only great wisdom can bring the much-needed understanding and reconciliation. Others are gentler; in one, a Sultan is trying to decide which of his three sons should be his heir, as is the way of the folktale. Each son reveals his innermost self, and how wisely or otherwise he would rule, simply by choosing his favourite animal. Unsure whether the choice of cow, dog or camel would secure a kingdom? Then read The Next Sultan: A Story from Yemen; it may well surprise you.

However, whatever the charm or the challenge of individual stories, this collection is well worth reading and considering as a whole. Mehrdokht Amini has created gorgeous illustrations and rich endpapers. Her cover cleverly brings elements of the stories together into a whole. Readers will enjoy identifying the different stories but it is also a fitting way to show the essential unity of the book. The anthology’s stated aim is to celebrate peace and kindness. These stories joined together have a powerful voice showing that true wisdom often lies in piercing through façade. By hiding in a disguise, the characters find a truth that is itself hidden. Fortunes are reversed when true characters are revealed. There is a strong sense of right and justice beating at the heart of these stories, a belief that kindness and hospitality and generosity matter. Thoughtfulness and compassion are the highest of virtues. To be ungrateful, whether to a ruler or to a lion, is to be selfish and cruel.

The pacey and dramatic stories are perfect for reading aloud. The Woodcutter and the Lion is perhaps the best of all for a classroom rendition. Children unaccustomed to the diverse conventions of folktales will benefit from hearing them read and discussing the messages and themes of each one. There is death and destruction in some of the stories. However, the stylised illustrations and the formality of folktale create a certain distance. This means that these tales provide a way in which children can grasp some deeply challenging themes in an age-appropriate way. They can think about the cycle of mounting aggression and resolve to throw away pride and anger. That is surely a resolution worth striving for. The stories show characters learning about themselves; as the exposed villains creep away in shame and remorse they teach the reader vital lessons about self-awareness.

Children will love this book; it is a thing of beauty. The illustrations intrigue and demand explanations. They will draw new readers into these ancient tales and ensure that the stories continue to speak fresh wisdom into a world that needs kindness.

The post Stories of Peace and Kindness for a Better World first appeared on Just Imagine.

Authors including Emma Carroll, Aisha Busby, Kieran Larwood and Reba Khatun, have contributed stories with themes of friendship, nature and family with happy, hopeful endings. Some are humorous and others a little more serious with a message gently conveyed. Children will recognise several which are based on familiar or traditional tales, including Clementine and the Mighty Battle Honk by Claire Barker about a goose brought up as a chicken which is resonant of the Ugly Duckling. Another about acceptance of others’ differences is Ann Jungman’s The Dinosaur’s Egg, following the adventures of an unusual hatchling. For children who think that it would be fun if bedtime was cancelled, then the cautionary tale from Rashmi Sirdeshpande about what happens when the unicorn in charge of parties does just that, should persuade them otherwise!

Sarah McIntyre’s colourful, humorous illustrations add a joyful element to this lovely anthology.

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