I ♡ Holidays
Written and Illustrated by
Clara Vulliamy
Published by HarperCollins Children's Books
Joy.
Unparalleled unmitigated joy.
That's what you can expect whenever you read a book that Clara Vulliamy has had a hand in. Clara's "Martha and the Bunny Brothers" books epitomise why she is so well loved in children's literature circles, why parents and teachers adore her, why kids worship her and why her books are always met with outbursts of gleeful giggles by us at ReadItDaddy Towers.
As the sun still continues, what better way to kick off your reading this summer than by joining Martha, Pip and Monty for "I ♡ Holidays". Load up the GORGEOUS blue Camper Van and set off to the seaside with Martha and the Bunny Brothers, ensuring that you pack all the things you'll need.
Martha has her very own suitcase (just like Charlotte!) and crams in everything for a day at the beach (just like Charlotte, though we do draw the line at Charlotte packing her entire kitchen set for impromptu beachside catering).
You can almost feel the waves tickling your toes, the sand crunching under your heels and the warm sunshine at the turn of each page. We always love Clara's attention to detail in her illustrations (it goes without saying that I was completely head over heels in love with the camper van - but Charlotte was much more a fan of the lollies and ice-creams page, completely unable to decide which to choose between the traditional Mr Whippy with a flake, or the Fab, or the Tangle Twister or the Mini Milk!)
Martha is impatient to swim in the sea, but there are so many things to do at the beach, will she ever get the chance to go for a swim with those busy little bunny brothers or will the stormy clouds chase everyone from the place?
We love the way the Martha / Bunny Brothers books are put together. Kids love lists, they also love books that are laid out in a way that invites curious investigation. Watching Charlotte with these is always interesting, as she explores each page not wanting to miss any of the exquisite little details Clara always works into her stories.
We're off on our hols soon, and I can guarantee that this book will be tucked into our suitcase for bedtime reading. We'll try to make sure we don't get it too sandy!
"I ♡ Holidays" featuring Martha and the Bunny Brothers, published on the 3rd July 2014 from HarperCollins Children's Books. Grab your copy now!
Here's a special postcard from Martha and the Bunny Brothers (courtesy of their lovely "mum") to wish you all a happy summer!
Charlotte's best bit: Trying to decide which ice cream or lolly she likes best (Our answer: whichever one she can get messiest with!)
Daddy's Favourite bit: A wry grin at the holiday traffic (groan!) and the "Are we there yet?" bits - oh and sheer love for that camper van (If I ever do get one and one day I swear I will, I'm going to stick a big bunny face on the front!)
Don't forget to check out all the other wonderful blogs on the tour this week...
Tuesday: Smiling Like Sunshine
Wednesday: The Book Sniffing Pug
Thursday: Child Led Chaos
Friday: Mini Book Worms
(Thanks again to Clara and HarperCollins Children's Books for supplying a review copy and the awesome postcard!)