ReaditDaddy's Second Book of the Week - Week Ending 22nd April 2016 - "Swap!" by Steve Light (Walker Books)

Our Second Book of the Week takes a wonderfully simple idea and turns it into a truly beautiful and hugely original children's story. "Swap!" by Steve Light...
Steve Light is the author and illustrator of one of our all-time favourite mighty girl books. His beautiful "Zephyr Takes Flight" is one of those books we never cease to recommend to people, particularly folk who have would-be mighty girls of their own at home.

Steve's latest book also has a rather awesome female character, this time a peg-legged little girl who is sad that her best friend is sad. His run-down ship is barely seaworthy, and with not a bean between them, prospects don't look great for a repair any time soon.

But as a button pings off his threadbare shirt, the little girl has an idea. A button, it starts with a simple button and soon a button is swapped for two teacups. Two teacups swapped for some ropes, some ropes for oars and so it goes on. Each time the pair keep a little something back for their own ship and before long the swapping is a huge riotous success!

The story is brilliant, absolutely brilliant and you can't wait to turn over every page to see what the next "Swap" will be (and with whom! We love Steve's salty characters in this, ranging from a burly pirate to a pair of skinny tailors).

Once again Steve proves that he's a talent to be reckoned with, and "Swap!" is easily one of our favourite books of the year to date!

Charlotte's favourite bit: She loved all the alternative uses that people put the swapped items to.

Daddy's favourite bit: Brilliant, original, inventive and so utterly satisfying on every level. "Swap" is destined to become a much-talked-about and well-loved classic.

(Kindly sent to us for review by Walker Books)

"Swap!"

Written and Illustrated by Steve Light

Published by Walker Books

Publication date: 3rd March 2016