Bear is a little different to the others in his class. He prefers reading and the quiet of his own thoughts, to the lively goings on of the other bears. Space is quiet too, which is why Bear loves it so much. When he begins to design and build his own rocket ship, his classmates laugh at him, but Bear doesn't take too much notice. Once it's finished, he blasts off into the cosmos and marvels at all the wonderful things he can see. And best of all, in space, no-one laughs at his ideas. After a while though, space begins to feel a little lonely. Suddenly, out of his window, he notices a small speck coming towards him. It's Panda in another rocket ship! Bear invites Panda on board and together they share their stories about space over cups of hot chocolate. That's when Bear discovers that having a friend to share the journey with, is much more fun. A story about differences, friendship, and the power of acceptance. 

I cannot wait to get my copy of this important and beautifully illustrated book. Windows is an inspirational and heartwarming story of friends and communities coming together during the corona virus pandemic. Told with simple, sensitive words and supported by stunning illustrations, this close look at what happens in your very own neighbourhood is an important book for young children and school library collections around the globe. The publishers have also released a read aloud video which you can view below. 

Published October 2020 by Hardie Grant Children's Publishing

Oscar is a skeleton and very self conscious about the way he looks. His one wish is to have a friend but, when he falls and loses a tooth, he thinks this makes him even uglier and no-one will want to befriend him. Who would like someone with a broken smile? But then Oscar meets a young girl who has also lost a tooth. She explains to him that if she plants the tooth in the earth, a friend will come. Oscar shows her his smile and asks if he can borrow her tooth. The girl agrees but on the condition that Oscar helps her find the friend she longs for. Together they journey through each other's worlds sharing their special places and secret thoughts. At the end of the day Oscar gives the tooth back as he realizes he doesn't need to be perfect and that a true friend will like you just the way you are.  The story is supported by wonderful illustrations with both worlds beautifully drawn and, even though Oscar lives in a cemetery, the colours and images in his world are not frightening at all but rather highlight the similarities to the world the young girl lives in. You can see more of Pawel's work on Instagram.