Children’s Books: The Paper Dolls and Zoe and Beans: Hello Oscar!

The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson

Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb

Julia Donaldson, the beloved author of ‘The Gruffalo’, has weaved yet another enchanting tale in ‘The Paper Dolls’. This delightful book, brimming with the magic of child’s play, tells the story of a string of paper dolls created by a mother for her daughter. The Paper Dolls embark on a whimsical adventure, navigating the vast landscape of a house and its garden. Their journey is filled with imaginative challenges, from a menacing toy dinosaur to an oven-glove crocodile. But the real suspense builds when they encounter a pair of scissors – a threat all too real in their paper world.

‘The Paper Dolls’ marks the first collaboration between Julia Donaldson and Rebecca Cobb, a rapidly emerging talent in the world of children’s illustration. Cobb’s illustrations are a perfect complement to Donaldson’s narrative, capturing the boundless creativity and fantasy of a child’s mind. The story itself is a heartwarming journey, culminating in an ending that is both touching and thought-provoking.

For fans familiar with Donaldson’s work, ‘The Paper Dolls’ shares more thematic resemblance with ‘The Snail and The Whale’ than with ‘The Gruffalo’ or ‘What the Ladybird Heard’. It subtly navigates the concept of loss, making it a poignant yet gentle introduction to the topic for young readers. The underlying message is one of hope and comfort, making this book a valuable addition to any child’s library.

ISBN: 978-0-230-74108-9

Age: 2 years +

Zoe and Beans: Hello Oscar! by Chloe & Mick Inkpen

Remember when we dove into the world of ‘Zoe and Beans: The Magic Hoop!’? We absolutely adored it, so you can imagine our delight when another book from this enchanting series landed in our hands.

In this delightful tale, Zoe’s garden transforms into a wonderland of unexpected animal guests. First, there’s the guinea pig – though, according to Beanie Boy, it’s definitely a rabbit! Then, a tortoise makes an appearance, followed by a chameleon, and finally, a chatty parrot! The big mystery unfolds around these surprise visitors: Where did they come from, and what are they doing in Zoe’s garden? And, most intriguingly, where has Beans disappeared to?

The answer lies hidden behind a mysterious hole in the garden fence…

This book, like its predecessor, is a joy to explore. Chloe and Mick Inkpen continue to shine as a dynamic father-daughter duo, weaving stories that tug at the heartstrings and spark the imagination. Their illustrations are a delight – so child-friendly and endearing. Little Bean loves the characters’ humorous expressions, with Beans always being a favourite.

‘Zoe and Beans’ has once again proven to be a hit in our household, effortlessly blending heartwarming storytelling with captivating illustrations that speak directly to children’s hearts.

ISBN: 978-0-230-76368-5

Age: 3 years +

DISCLAIMER: We were sent both of the above books for the purpose of this review post. All words, images, and opinions are my own, and any may not be copied without my permission.