Title: Hello Summer

Written and Illustrated by: Jo Lindley

Published by: Farshore Books

I have come across illustration by Jo Lindley before in books I have previously reviewed, such as: The  Crocodile Curse and The Jackal’s Graveyard by Saviour Pirotta from The Nile Adventures and also Interdimensional Explorers by Lorraine Gregory. I have always found the way she captures the characters’ emotions in her drawings to be perfect. Jo Lindley does not disappoint in this series of picture books, which she has written and illustrated.

Hello Summer is about four friends who play together all year round taking it in turns to wear the weather crown.

It is full of fun activities for children to do during the summer months, such as playing ball, having a picnic and building a sandcastle.

The other books in the series are:

In this series, Jo Lindley has created four very distinct characters which portray their feelings through her text and illustrations. I particularly like the way the four friends take the time to discuss their feelings.

The bold colours add a touch of magic and The illustrations are a joy to browse and children will love exploring the pictures and will be eager to turn the pages to be captivated by the next illustration. Her use of bold seasonal colours add a touch of magic.

This series would be ideal to use in the classroom to initiate a discussion on emotions and what to do when they get out of control. I thought the subtle suggestions and techniques used by the characters to deal with their disappointment, frustration and anger when things did not go the way they hoped and planned, were put across in a sensitive way, young children would understand.

Great books to encourage empathy and self-discipline.

The other books I have reviewed, which were illustrated by Jo Lindley are:

• Book Review: The Crocodile Curse
• Book Review: The Jackal’s Graveyard
• Book Review: Interdimensional Explorers

You can buy copies of Hello Summer, Hello Autumn, Hello Winter and Hello Spring by Jo Lindley from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.