Teach Early Years - Issue 14.2

THERE ARE JOBS THAT PEOPLE DO IN THIS BOOK (Campbell Books, board book, £9.99) This is a lively and engaging introduction to the world of work and careers, perfect for curious young readers. Split into categories, including “People who help us”, “In the country”, and “Lights, camera, action”, it showcases a wide range of roles, from the familiar (chef, farmer, mechanic) to more imaginative or unexpected jobs like busker, robot developer, and dog walker. The detailed scenes are set across sturdy board-back pages, making this a durable as well as a visually rich read. Each page is full of action and character, encouraging children to point out details, ask questions, and make connections to the world around them – wonderful for inspiring conversation and language while supporting imaginative play. Its variety and detail ensure that children will return to it again and again, spotting new things each time. READ ALL ABOUT IT! Have you seen these fantastic publications? Hank Goes Peck (Little Tiger, board book, £7.99) Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie’s Hank Goes Peck is a lively and mischievous tale that will have children laughing out loud. With clever peep-through pages, young readers can follow Hank as he pecks a hole in the trampoline and the sheep’s knitting, and even dares to peck the angry bull. Full of humour and energy, this playful story is perfect for sharing and guaranteed to entertain again and again. My Thoughts and Me (Little Tiger, paperback, £7.99) Nima Patel’s text covers negative self- talk and troubling thoughts in an age- appropriate way, making it an invaluable resource for supporting wellbeing. With diverse characterisation, it reflects a wide range of experiences and helps every child feel seen. The story introduces a simple grounding technique that children can try themselves, while also inspiring conversation between adults and young readers. Clive Penguin Learns to Fly, Sort of (Little Tiger, hardback, £12.99) Clive dreams of soaring through the skies and, despite a few wobbles along the way, refuses to give up, providing us with a humorous and uplifting story about determination and resilience. Children will be captivated by Ben Sanders’ bold illustrations, which bring Clive’s antics and optimism to life. Funny, heartwarming and inspiring, this is a celebration of trying, learning and believing in yourself. WHEN I GROW UP I’D LIKE TO BE... (Harper Collins Children’s Books) Explore hopes and dreams for the future, from adventures in space to scientific discoveries! Set up your role-play area with a wealth of different resources and props related to jobs. Children could experiment with stethoscopes, compasses, bandages, ballet shoes and hard hats. Simple boxes are great for inspiring creativity. Perhaps it will become a space rocket, a pirate ship, or a rally car. Engage in discussion about what children want to be when they grow up. Link in mathematics by using a tally chart to keep a check of the responses, adding them up to find the most popular job. LIT TLE SNAIL GOES HOUSE-HUNTING (Happy Yak, paperback, £7.99) In Bia Melo’s funny and warm picture book, we follow an adventurous snail in search of the perfect home. Along the way, Little Snail tries hanging upside down, exploring underground, and even squeezing into a cocoon, but none of these options quite work out. The humour in these trials will delight children, while the snail’s determination makes for a charming and relatable character. The bright illustrations are full of little details that invite children to look closer and spot new things each time they revisit the story. These visual touches add to the playfulness of the narrative and bring the snail’s world vividly to life. At its heart, the story gently reminds readers that the best place to be is often the one that feels most comfortable and true to yourself – a lovely tale for sharing, sparking conversation, and enjoying together. Teachearlyyears.com 53