Stuff

Meg got some lights for when it got dark.
Ash got a pram from the nearby park

A book for all of us who are aware that we have too much stuff. Two Magpies are trying to do their best for their coming family, but are persuaded that they need stuff and so they gather stuff. The inevitable happens, but it all ends happily. 

Emily Gravett is the most talented creator of children's books and I have been collecting her books for many years. Of course many of them are with the family, bought for the grandchildren when they were young, but having no longer any children to buy for . . . this one is for me. Although I suspect Ella will be keen to have a look when she is here. 

Her books illustrate what makes the very best picture book, the depth of the story and the details of the pictures, all complementing each other and appealing to child and adult however many times it is shared. The pictures say more than the words alone and provide talking points. The other creatures look askance at the Magpies' activities, these same creatures will appear again later in the book. Look how the sad old bear and the Magpie eye each other - the bear knows this is foolish, but is the Magpie listening?

Emily Gravett has been award the Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration twice before, this one is now on the 2022 Shortlist.


Two Much Stuff
Emily Gravett