Ice in the Jungle by Ariane Hofmann-Maniyar (Child's Play Books)

Imagine being uprooted from your familiar home, having to leave your friends behind, and having to start school in a whole new location. Many children face this scenario every day, and for a child it can be exciting and sometimes quite traumatic.

"Ice in the Jungle" is a lovely little book designed to help children cope with the stress and strain of a family move, centring on an adorable little polar bear named Ice. Ice's mummy has to move away with a new job to somewhere entirely unfamiliar and new. Ice and Mum are moving to...THE JUNGLE!

It's far too hot, school is strange and Ice finds it difficult to fit in. Her school friends all seem to be fairly wrapped up in their own little lives, and as for the food - Ice has never tasted a fish like that bizarre yellow curved one given to her by one of her classmates.

Ice starts to feel lonely and sad but sometimes it takes a while to make new friends - but when you do, it smoothes the way when life is full of upheaval.

Ariane Hofmann-Maniyar has drawn together some brilliant elements in this book that can really allay a child's fears and perhaps even help children who are naturally shy to cope with the sometimes difficult task of making new friends. It certainly delighted Charlotte and I (Charlotte is naturally shy so she instantly bonded with Ice in this tale). Really love this one!

Charlotte's best bit: Ice spluttering on a banana! Ewwwwww!

Daddy's Favourite bit: A touching little tale perfectly put together to help children cope with the stresses and strains of a move to a new location or school.

(Kindly sent to us for review by Child's Play Books)