Title: The Very Best Beast

Written by: Alison Green

Illustrated by: Siân Roberts

Published by: Maverick Publishing

This is a clever, lyrical rhyming picture book that will have young children engaged to the end. The new King is searching for an animal to feature on his royal crest. All the animals think they will be the perfect choice, except for elephant, who is too shy to put herself forward. However, an unexpected guest shows everyone’s true colours and one beast proves themselves to be the bravest and most helpful of all.

The illustrations are bold and vibrant, with such a dynamic feel I am sure the children will be eager to keep turning the pages. I loved the different expressions on the animal’s faces. They complement the text perfectly. Pre-school and Key Stage One children will enjoy listening to the book being read aloud as well as pouring over the pictures in quiet time.

A great book to help children recognise different species of wildlife and their characteristics. It would also be an ideal opportunity for slightly older children to learn about different character traits that can be used as part of a story, both good and bad. They could have fun creating their own animal characters.

The Very Best Beast could also be used as part of a PSHE and empathy lesson on shyness and how everyone is valuable in their own way.

You can buy a copy of, The Very Best Beast by Alison Green and Siân Roberts, direct from the publisher Maverick Publishing, from your local bookshop, or you can also purchase a copy online at uk.bookshop.org, an organisation with a mission to financially support local, independent bookshops.

I would like to thank Maverick Publishing for sending me a review copy of The Very Best Beast to review on my blog.