Robin Sharma talks ‘assets that money can’t buy’, spirituality, writing and more
1. Anand
‘guess how Much I Love You’
Sam McBratney’s timeless story, beautifully illustrated by Anita Jeram’s gentle watercolours, has captured the hearts of both children and adults. How much does Little Nutbrown Hare love his father? ‘Guess How Much I Love You’, written by Sam McBratney, is a story about the bond of love between parent and child. It is a beautiful account of how we understand love and its grandeur. That love seems infinite to us, and we cannot express it. A large board book edition of this much-loved classic that children will simply treasure.
2. Fear
‘Bhopal Ka Qaidi’: Ages 9 and up
Amil has always dreamed of working in the modern, space-age pesticide plant in Bhopal, India, where he lives. Instead, on his tenth birthday, he is separated from his family and taken to work for Mr. Kumar and his ruthless son, Jalesh, in their dilapidated printing factory. There, hidden in a trunk, he finds a secret journal from World War I. As its pages come to life, they reveal not only why Amil is there, but also that he and the journal’s author – his great-grandfather, Sanjeev – share a magical gift: they can read the wind. Its purpose remains a mystery until, one terrible night, the pesticide plant leaks toxic gas into the air above Bhopal…
3. Sadness
‘Counting by 7’ – Ages 10 and up
In the tradition of ‘Out of My Mind’, ‘Wonder’ and ‘Mockingbird’, this is an extremely touching middle-grade novel about being an outsider, dealing with loss and discovering the true meaning of family. Willow Chance is a twelve-year-old genius girl, obsessed with nature and diagnosing medical conditions, who finds counting by 7’s comforting. It has never been easy for her to connect with anyone other than her adoptive parents, but that hasn’t stopped her from living a calm and happy life so far. Suddenly Willow’s world tragically changes when both of her parents die in a car accident, leaving her alone in a confused world. The triumph of this book is that it is not a tragedy. This exceptionally strange, but exceptionally sweet girl manages to overcome her grief. Her journey to find a charmingly diverse and completely believable surrogate family is a joy and a revelation to read.
4. Anger
‘Grumpy Monkey’
Meet Jim Pansy. He’s in a bad mood. Nothing seems right! Nothing is going right, and Jim can’t figure out why… His friends can’t understand – how can he be in such a mood when it’s such a beautiful day!? They have lots of suggestions to make him feel better. But Jim can’t take all the advice… and ends up a bit depressed. Could it be that he just needs a day when he feels grumpy? This modern classic is the perfect reminder that ‘grumpy monkey’ days never last long.
5. Jealousy
‘The Amazing Things You Will Become’
In this timeless poem about growing up, Emily Windfield Martin explores all the things you can choose to become, from brave and bold to creative and wise. Filled with beautiful, whimsical illustrations and cleverly-read poems, adults will love reading this book to their children at any age as they fondly consider all the possibilities that lie ahead. Its enduring message of love and acceptance as children grow and change is both universal and poignant and should be shared again and again.
6. Embarrassment
‘The Very Shameful Life of Lottie Brooks’
Not only is she about to start high school without any friends or adorable swooshy hair, but she’s just discovered her chest is so flat she can’t wear a bra! She might as well give up now and go into hibernation with her hamsters Sir Barnaby Squeakington and Fuzzball the Third. Lottie tackles the perils of growing up in this fabulously funny new illustrated series, packed with friendships, embarrassing moments and of course, KitKat Chunky.
The first book in a new series for children from the bestselling creator of Hurrah for Gin. Perfect for fans of Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging and the Dork Diaries.
7. Boredom
‘The most indecent murder’
When Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong set up their own secret detective agency at Deepdene School for Girls, they struggle to find any exciting mysteries to investigate. (Unless you count the case of Lavinia’s missing tie. Which they don’t.) Then Hazel finds the science mistress, Miss Bell, lying dead in the gym.
8. Anxiety
‘The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl’ For children aged 10 and above
A lightning strike gave her a superpower…but even a supergenius can’t solve middle school. This smart and funny novel is perfect for fans of The Fourteenth Goldfish, Rain Rain, and Counting by Sevens. Lucy Callahan’s life changed forever when she was struck by lightning. She doesn’t remember it, but the lightning strike gave her genius-level math skills and she’s been homeschooled ever since. Now, at age 12, she’s technically ready for college. She just has to pass one more test–middle school! Lucy’s grandmother insists: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Get involved in 1 activity. And read 1 book (that’s not a math textbook!). Lucy’s not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can learn in 7th grade unless there’s a wrong guess? Celebrating friendship, Stacy McNulty’s smart and thoughtful middle-grade debut reminds us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the things that make us different.
