1. "The Sea-Thing Child" is a captivating picture book by American author Herban, who resides in London. His works often incorporate complex and profound themes. The story begins with a dramatic scene: a child with a strange, bird-like appearance is washed up on a desolate beach during a stormy, moonless night. The plot and language reflect Herban's unique style, often associated with "magic realism." Later, the book's illustrations were redrawn by Patrick Benson, whose beautiful, expansive, and expressive images perfectly capture the tone of the heartwarming story. Herban frequently explores natural themes, and Benson skillfully recreates the mood with wide-open seas and skies.
2. "Burglar Bill" is an entertaining tale filled with rhyming humor, perfect for young readers who enjoy playing with language. The story follows Burglar Bill and his accomplice, Burglar Betty, as they get entangled in a series of comical misadventures. By accident, Bill steals Betty's baby, who was sleeping in a box... The theme of the story provides ample room for discussion among young children. Instead of directly addressing whether Bill should steal, readers can explore the items Bill stole and enjoy matching them up in the illustrations.
3. Author Hughes won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1977 with "Dogger." She adeptly captures the small moments of children's lives, cherishing them deeply. These moments include the simple joys of playing in puddles or enjoying an ice cream, creating some of the warmest and most comforting moments of childhood. One day, Dave, a young boy, loses his beloved battery-powered toy dog. He lost it somewhere between buying an ice cream and meeting his sister Bella after school. Distraught, Dave becomes unusually quiet. To his surprise, he finds his toy dog at a school jumble sale, only to realize he doesn't have enough money to buy it back.
