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Bubbles and Puddles
Little ones have eyes and hearts full of wonder - the world is full of wonder and it's gorgeous and exciting and beautiful but but can also be a big scary place full of unknowns.
I initially created these stories to help and nurture my girl's natural sense of wonder and love for nature and all its precious plants and creatures - and also to ease her sensitive little heart of her fears and questions as she grows. She loved them!
The aim of these stories is to nurture the imaginations of the special little ones in your life, be it your own, relative or friend. They celebrate the simple joys of life, nature, getting lost in the wonder of the moment.
We can only hope the little messages in these stories can rub off on us busy juggling very well-meaning adults too!
I initially created these stories to help and nurture my girl's natural sense of wonder and love for nature and all its precious plants and creatures - and also to ease her sensitive little heart of her fears and questions as she grows. She loved them!
The aim of these stories is to nurture the imaginations of the special little ones in your life, be it your own, relative or friend. They celebrate the simple joys of life, nature, getting lost in the wonder of the moment.
We can only hope the little messages in these stories can rub off on us busy juggling very well-meaning adults too!
34 pages, Hardcover
Published November 22, 2017
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 9, 2018
Book Review Bubbles and Puddles by Anne Helen Donnelly
Words: Michelle Wanasundera
Pictures: Thana-one Yazawa
I don’t read poetry with my children often, certainly not as often as I should. I was so glad when I discovered this beautiful book of poetry for children. It makes everyday things, such as puddles and flowers, magical with inspired words by Wanasundera and bright colourful illustrations by Yazawa.
The book is beautifully presented in landscape hardcover with vibrant blues and reds and crisp whites. I am also partial to the font. Quimby I’m told. There are 12 poems, each illustrated, bringing the fantasy in each writing to the fore of the imagination. There are poems that celebrate the beauty and fun in nature, such as Rainmaker and Orangey. And there are poems, such as Belly Bubbles and Ow Escape, that can help children and their carers deal with common childhood niggles such as being scared or nervous and having aches and pains.
Wanasundera has included an About the Stories section at the back of the book, with a brief description of each and its inspiration. My children and I however, found it fun to verbalise our own interpretations of each poem after reading them slowly, savouring their messages.
In the hustle and bustle of life, this book is a reminder to all of us, to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures. To look and listen and pause. A great book to share with your little ones.
Words: Michelle Wanasundera
Pictures: Thana-one Yazawa
I don’t read poetry with my children often, certainly not as often as I should. I was so glad when I discovered this beautiful book of poetry for children. It makes everyday things, such as puddles and flowers, magical with inspired words by Wanasundera and bright colourful illustrations by Yazawa.
The book is beautifully presented in landscape hardcover with vibrant blues and reds and crisp whites. I am also partial to the font. Quimby I’m told. There are 12 poems, each illustrated, bringing the fantasy in each writing to the fore of the imagination. There are poems that celebrate the beauty and fun in nature, such as Rainmaker and Orangey. And there are poems, such as Belly Bubbles and Ow Escape, that can help children and their carers deal with common childhood niggles such as being scared or nervous and having aches and pains.
Wanasundera has included an About the Stories section at the back of the book, with a brief description of each and its inspiration. My children and I however, found it fun to verbalise our own interpretations of each poem after reading them slowly, savouring their messages.
In the hustle and bustle of life, this book is a reminder to all of us, to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures. To look and listen and pause. A great book to share with your little ones.
December 4, 2017
Published in glorious hardback, Bubbles and Puddles makes a statement with its visually -leasing balance of rich colour illustrations and white text backgrounds, for its blocks of poetry. The publication’s design is striking and reminds me of those books from childhood that I wanted to retain as keepsakes, to dip in and out of at my reading leisure. The picture books that impacted me as a child were often anthologies of poetry, fairy tales, nursery rhymes or Aboriginal legends but publications like this almost seem to represent a dying art. It is therefore wonderful to see this genre making a comeback with books like Bubbles and Puddles and Magic Fish Dreaming by June Perkins, to name just two.
With scope for classroom and library readings and helpful ‘Teacher’s Notes’ for each poem, this dreamy verse collection is grounded in an understanding of child psychology. It deals beautifully with issues like childhood anxiety (Belly Bubbles) processing big emotions (Waterfall), as well as appreciation for giving to others (Rainmaker) and allowing yourself to ‘be’ in the moment (Little Lights). Wanasundera is a talented poet and while she has a good command of rhyme, also employs free verse, which keeps the collection from falling into any sing-songy traps that would undermine the importance of its messages. Every full-page illustration is a celebration of the poetry within and I hope that Wanasundera and Yazawa continue their partnership which is seemingly a match made in heaven.
With scope for classroom and library readings and helpful ‘Teacher’s Notes’ for each poem, this dreamy verse collection is grounded in an understanding of child psychology. It deals beautifully with issues like childhood anxiety (Belly Bubbles) processing big emotions (Waterfall), as well as appreciation for giving to others (Rainmaker) and allowing yourself to ‘be’ in the moment (Little Lights). Wanasundera is a talented poet and while she has a good command of rhyme, also employs free verse, which keeps the collection from falling into any sing-songy traps that would undermine the importance of its messages. Every full-page illustration is a celebration of the poetry within and I hope that Wanasundera and Yazawa continue their partnership which is seemingly a match made in heaven.
February 22, 2018
This is a charming collection of children's poems, perfect for reading with your toddler. I love the way the words roll off my tongue. The author leaves plenty of room for improvisation and performance. Go wild with sound effects. My toddler giggles like crazy every time we read our favourite poem 'Puddles Round the World'.
I can always tell when a writer is a mum and knows how to have fun with kids. Michelle Wanasundera has done an excellent job with this book. It is not only entertaining but provides prompts for children to extend the play.
The illustrations by Thana-one Yazawa are beautiful. I'd describe it as frothy and bubblegum (which I know aren't technical terms for describing art but it'll make perfect sense to anyone seeing the book).
I can always tell when a writer is a mum and knows how to have fun with kids. Michelle Wanasundera has done an excellent job with this book. It is not only entertaining but provides prompts for children to extend the play.
The illustrations by Thana-one Yazawa are beautiful. I'd describe it as frothy and bubblegum (which I know aren't technical terms for describing art but it'll make perfect sense to anyone seeing the book).
January 15, 2018
Bubbles and Puddles is a beautifully written, lovingly crafted book filled with poems about the natural world, of time shared, and self-acceptance. It takes everyday experiences and turns them into beautiful expressions of joy, family, and fun.
In a world which is hurdy-gurdy and hectic, Bubbles and Puddles illustrates how beautiful life can be when we stop and slow down to enjoy our surroundings, to take pleasure in the simple things in life, and to view life through the curious and joyful eyes of the child.
We have thoroughly enjoyed sharing this wonderful book in our house, and can't wait for Michelle's next amazing work!
In a world which is hurdy-gurdy and hectic, Bubbles and Puddles illustrates how beautiful life can be when we stop and slow down to enjoy our surroundings, to take pleasure in the simple things in life, and to view life through the curious and joyful eyes of the child.
We have thoroughly enjoyed sharing this wonderful book in our house, and can't wait for Michelle's next amazing work!
December 1, 2018
Love this gorgeous children's book of poems. Just delightful and colourful illustrations make it a must for bedtime stories. You can read a quick short poem before nap time. I loved the Magic Feather Tail. Author Michelle takes the reader on several different and beautiful journeys.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews