Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom  - what a team! This book, released at the start of 2018 follows What do you do with an idea? and What do you do with a problem? This series taps into the importance of creative and critical thinking in a gentle and accessible way for even the youngest of readers. 
The PYP component of the IB prioritises the development of key learner attributes, and one of these is being a risk-taker. It is important to note that risk-taking in this context refers to stepping outside your comfort zone, and not engaging in risky or dangerous behaviour. Being a risk-taker is increasingly difficult for some children in an era of 'helicopter parenting' and 'bubble-wrap childhoods'. In addition, standardised testing which rewards correct answers over creative ones, stifles the desire for taking chances if children think they will be wrong and/or fail. This book with its gentle illustrations and simple storyline shows risk-taking as inviting and rewarding. This series is essential for school libraries, and would be valuable to share regularly in both the classroom and the home.
Highly, highly recommended.

Shouting at the rain was the book shared at the most recent Book Club. (See TL Musings.) As with Sick Bay, this book explores friendships, families and loss. The picturesque Cape Cod setting is used throughout to great effect, and the contrast between the locals and the tourists is also central to the storyline. It is an empowering story of finding strength within, and facing fears and the unknown head-on. 

 I confess that despite being an avid reader, I have not read too many memoirs over the years. I love autobiographies and biographies, but they have quite a different tone and purpose. Educated, by Tara Westover, was a haunting read, largely because of the recent history of it all. There is a raw honesty of the author's confusion, vulnerability and fear mingled with a deep and abiding love for those exerting a dangerous power and influence. I was unfamiliar with the history of Mormon survivalists, which in itself was an education, and deeply saddened by the suffering of all members of the family who either rejected or were forbidden to access a health system which could have provided care and ultimately a better quality of life for physical injuries and/or mental illness. 
It was uncomfortable reading, knowing that the people featured were not fictional characters, but family members. Remarkably, this book avoided both self-pity and arrogance. Rather, the author highlighted the life-changing events that set her free, pointing always to education. Like Malala, Tara is an ambassador for education and its power to heal, change lives and provide a future. 
​HIghly, highly recommended.