Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

A sad-looking blue creature arrives, suitcase in tow, "looking dusty, tired, sad, and frightened." Three other creatures (bird, rabbit, fox) have lots of questions, mostly about what's in his suitcase, but they don't believe his answers, and when he falls asleep, they break into his luggage, only to find out he was telling the truth...in a way. When the "strange" creature wakes up, the other animals apologize and show him what they've done: "I'm sorry I broke your suitcase. We fixed it as show more best we could....We hope you like it." The three of them have recreated his home as he described it, and he welcomes them in.

The conversation between the three animals as they debate what to do while the new arrival is sleeping could serve as a real conversation starter, not just about immigration, but what - if anything - people need to know about other people before they will help them.

See also: The Someone New by Jill Twiss, Teacup by Rebecca Young show less

Frank and Bert are best friends who love to go on picnics together, but something always goes wrong! This time, it's not an external conflict (rain, wasps, scary squirrels) but a self-inflicted one: while Bert takes an after-picnic nap, Frank peeks at the surprise, and can't help eating it all! He compounds the problem by lying about it when Bert wakes up, but almost immediately confesses. Bert forgives him, and Frank declares he'll make it up to him by baking a batch of Bert's favorite show more muffins for their next picnic. Observant readers will notice those scary squirrels at the edges of the page, ready to get those muffins! show less

Remember reading a book in your childhood with a big grin on your face throughout? Ever had an experience where the grin starts off as a smile and goes on increasing in size until you are actually laughing out loud by the last page? Here’s a book that will do exactly that, and much more!

These two are best friends and love playing hide and seek. Or maybe I should say, Bert loves to hide and Frank loves to seek. Unfortunately Bert isn’t very good at hiding and Frank inevitably finds him. show more When Bert finally laments about how he might have a better chance if Frank counted till a hundred instead of till ten, Frank, being a good sport, agrees. Does Bert manage to find the perfect hiding spot?

There are children’s books with morals, and there are books that are for entertainment. This book falls in both the categories. The idea of friendship vs. competitiveness is nicely brought out in the story. Frank’s counting till a hundred adds a nice mathematical advantage to the story. Frank and Bert are simply adorable characters and I would love to read more books centred on them.

The language in the story is very easy for an early reader. The style in which the story is written also makes it suitable for read-alouds as well as for joint reading and independent reading.

I liked the illustrations too. They are drawn in a sort of rough, scribbly kind of way that makes the characters more endearing. The entire book feels very cute because of this mode of sketching. I am sure the colours will pop out even more in the physical copy.

Kids are going to love this little book and I bet they will giggle with joy at the end. A wholesome and fun entertainer, this one. Heartily recommended.

5 joyous stars.

My thanks to Nosy Crow and NetGalley for the ARC of “Frank and Bert”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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This very cute, funny storybook for children rewards close attention to the pictures, which get funnier the closer you look. It's a simple tale of Frank and Bert, two bike-riding friends in need of a little extra stability. Especially Bert, who is something of a disaster on wheels. Adults may find their antics chuckle-worthy as well. What I really liked was the book gets across a couple of points about helping friends out and trying to be careful, but the book keeps a pretty light touch and show more doesn't get overly moralistic about teaching lessons. The points are there, and they're amusingly embedded in a sweet, funny package. show less